How To Prevent Mild Diabetic Retinopathy From Worsening
Posted on: 2 December 2021
If you have diabetic retinopathy, but the condition is mild, it might not yet be time to undergo treatment. Instead, your doctor will examine your eye to make sure that it is in good condition and will help you determine when you actually do need to have your eyes treated.
The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition results from damage done to the blood vessels for the light-sensitive aspects of your eyes. It might only have a mild effect on your eyes initially, but it can eventually lead to blindness. This complication can emerge with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you will develop this condition, especially if you do not control your blood sugar intake.
This condition results from too much sugar in the blood, causing blood vessels to become blocked. The eyes develop new blood vessels, but these are not as well-developed as the older vessels, and this can lead to vision problems.
How to Know If You Have Diabetic Retinopathy
You may begin to notice abnormalities with your vision. For example, you might start to see floaters in your vision. Your vision might fluctuate or might be blurred. You might start to see dark or empty areas. You may even experience vision loss. If any of this occurs, you will need to see an optometrist as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Have Mild Diabetic Retinopathy
You may be able to slow the progress of this condition if you control your diabetes. This will require that you diet, exercise, monitor your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, and effectively manage your blood pressure. Speak with a doctor about possible treatments you might need.
Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy
If your diabetic retinopathy is no longer mild, you will need one of several diabetic eye treatments. You may need to have a medication injected into your eyes to stop fluid buildup. You may need to have scar tissue removed from a vitrectomy.
There are also several types of laser treatments that can stop blood from leaking into your eyes. These include photocoagulation and parental photocoagulation. Both of these types of treatments are carried out at the eye clinic, and you may need more than one treatment. Oftentimes, your vision will not improve. However, the treatment is able to prevent your vision from worsening. By acting quickly, you may be able to keep some of your vision.
Reach out to a local diabetic eye treatment clinic, such as Northwest Ophthalmology, to learn more.
Share