What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the eye. Over time, diabetes can affect the circulatory system of the retina. The retina is a light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that must be healthy in order to provide good vision.

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When blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they may leak fluid or blood, and grow fragile, leaky vessels and scar tissue. This can blur or distort the images that the retina sends to the brain.

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Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new blindness among adults in the United States. People with untreated diabetes are said to be 25 times more at risk for blindness than the general population.

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The longer a person has diabetes, the more the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases. About 80% of the people who have had diabetes for at least 15 years have some blood vessel damage to their retina. People with Type I, or juvenile diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy at a younger age.

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If you have diabetes, it's important to know that today, with improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, only a small percentage of people who develop retinopathy have serious vision problems.

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The goal of treatment for diabetic retinopathy is to slow or stop the progression of the disease. In the early stages, treatment may not be necessary, but you will need to continue having regular eye exams, and be closely monitored. It is also important to follow the advice of your physician in regards to your diet and exercise, and to keep your blood sugar levels well controlled.

 

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