According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most common and serious complications with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication that affects your eyes. This disease causes damage to the blood vessels in your eye. Specifically, the light-sensitive tissue that is in the back of your eye. Also known as the retina. This issue happens when you have high blood sugar levels for a long period. You must be aware of the causes of diabetic retinopathy if you suffer from diabetes. As well as the symptoms and treatment options you have. That way you can preserve your eye health. In this blog, you will take a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments. As noted by the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Causes

As stated earlier, diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in your retina. After some time your blood vessels can get blocked. Along with leaking or growing abnormally. This leads to the two types of this disease, which are the following:

• Early Diabetic Retinopathy: This stage is the more common form of this disease. It is called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). In this stage, the blood vessels in your retina are weakened. They also develop small bulges. These bulges can leak fluid or blood. When this happens your retina can swell. Thus leading to vision problems. 
• Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: This is a more advanced stage of this disease. It is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). When you have PDR the damaged blood vessels close off. Which leads to your retina to start to grow. It grows new and abnormal blood vessels. These vessels can bleed. They bleed into the vitreous gel inside of your eye. This can lead to you having severe vision loss. As well as blindness.  

Symptoms

Diabetic retinopathy can have no symptoms. When in the early stages. This is why you need to have regular eye exams. That way your Vision Care provider can catch it in the early stages. However, if it is not caught early by your provider some symptoms may appear. These symptoms include:

• Blurry vision.
• Spots or dark string in your line of vision. Also known as floaters.
• Colors may appear faded or washed out.
• Dark or empty areas in your vision.
• Vision loss.

Visit Clinicas 

Whether you have diabetes or not it is critical for you to monitor your eye health. Having regular eye exams can keep your eyes healthy. As well as detect diabetic retinopathy early. Catching this disease early allows for quick treatment. Along with better management of your condition. Don’t hesitate and take your eye health into your own hands. Visit Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. today. At Clinicas there are experienced Vision Care providers who can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy. Clinicas’ Vision Care Services are tailored to the needs of you. In order to give you the best care possible. Schedule your appointment today to take proactive steps in protecting your eyesight. In addition to your quality of life for a brighter tomorrow.