What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels can weaken and damage these vessels, leading to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.

There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:

1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage with mild symptoms like blood vessel swelling and leakage.

2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, increasing the risk of serious vision problems, including retinal detachment.

Why Early Detection Matters

Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams critical for early detection. The sooner it’s identified, the more effective treatment can be to prevent vision loss.

At Rivertown Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including retinal imaging, to detect even the earliest signs of diabetic eye disease.

Common Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

While early stages may be symptom-free, as the condition progresses, you may experience:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Dark spots or “floaters” in your vision

• Impaired color vision

• Vision loss or dark areas in your field of view

• Difficulty seeing at night

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam immediately. Delaying care can result in permanent vision loss.