Diabetic Retinopathy: What Is It?

Image of cute old lady wearing glasses.

Diabetic retinopathy refers to several eye problems that are characterized by damage to the light-sensitive retina, caused by excessive blood sugar levels. Almost half of Americans with diabetes suffer from some level of diabetic retinopathy. When glucose levels in the blood are not properly controlled, it can result in the formation of glaucoma, cataracts or blood vessel damage in the retina — all of which can cause vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early.

Damage to the blood vessels in the retina can eventually lead to permanent vision loss. High blood sugar levels can lead to the blood vessels in the retina swelling and leaking. This leaked blood in the eye damages vision. In severe instances, the retina can thicken and crack, causing new blood vessels to grow under the retina and through those cracks, which severely affects visual acuity.

Symptoms

For many people, the earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy do not have any easily noticeable symptoms. By the time vision loss is prominent enough to be noticed, most individuals have progressed to advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy that are harder to treat and manage.

Thankfully, regular eye examinations can help monitor the eyes for many of the common initial warning signs of diabetic retinopathy, including the following:

  • Floaters or spots roaming around in your field of vision
  • Poor night vision
  • An empty or dark spot in the middle of your field of vision
  • Blurred vision

Treatment

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Through regular eye examinations and pupil dilation, diabetic retinopathy can be monitored closely to ensure accurate treatment. Keeping blood sugar levels within recommended ranges can also help manage or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

In more severe cases, treatment also includes:

  • Laser surgery to repair retinal detachment
  • Intravitreal injections of medications into the jelly-like vitreous, near the retina, to stop the proliferation of blood vessels and halt further retinal damage
  • Laser photocoagulation (to close leaking blood vessels in the retina)

Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Closed noon to 1:00 for lunch

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Closed noon to 1:00 for lunch

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Closed noon to 1:00 for lunch

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Closed noon to 1:00 for lunch

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Eagle Family Vision should be your place for vision care needs! After two different optometrists gave up on me as a candidate for corrective contacts, Dr. Gregory worked hard on my behalf to prescribe the perfect pair of corrective contacts for me. I can now clearly see (literally) that Eagle Family Vision is the place for me and my family!"
    Elmo C.
  • "Had a great experience. Went to Eagle Vision three different times. Twice with my girls and once for myself. We were all taken back quickly, the staff were very friendly and thorough, and we were not rushed to make our eyeglass selections. Each of us left with the perfect eyewear."
    Sandra C.