What Is Diabetic Retinopathy, and How Can It Be Treated?

Diabetes doesn’t just affect your body - it can have a serious impact on your vision. One of the most common and potentially sight-threatening complications is diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Without proper monitoring and treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
 

Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing the retina to swell and affecting vision clarity. In advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels may form, leading to scarring and potential retinal detachment.

The condition typically develops in stages:

• Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy - Small areas of swelling in the blood vessels (microaneurysms) appear.

• Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy - Blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked.

• Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy - More vessels are blocked, depriving parts of the retina of blood supply.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - New, fragile blood vessels grow, which can leak and cause serious vision problems.
 

Symptoms to Watch For

Diabetic retinopathy often develops silently, with no symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, you might notice:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Dark or empty spots in your vision

• Poor night vision

• Sudden vision loss

Because symptoms can appear only after significant damage has occurred, routine eye exams are crucial for anyone living with diabetes.
 

The Importance of Eye Disease Management

At East Bay Vision Center, our doctors takes a proactive approach to eye disease management, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. Regular exams allow us to detect subtle retinal changes before vision loss occurs - especially vital for patients with diabetes.
 

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy

Early detection through comprehensive eye exams can help prevent permanent vision loss. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:

• Monitoring and Blood Sugar Control: In early stages, managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol can slow progression.

• Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation): Helps seal or shrink leaking blood vessels to prevent further vision loss.

• Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications injected into the eye block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce swelling.

• Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure that removes blood or scar tissue from the vitreous gel inside the eye.
 

Protect Your Vision at East Bay Vision Center

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision impairment, but with proper care and timely intervention, it can be managed effectively. Protecting your eyesight starts with consistent monitoring and expert guidance.

Schedule a diabetic eye exam at East Bay Vision Center to safeguard your vision from diabetic retinopathy. Visit our office in Oakland, Fremont, or Pleasanton, California. Please call (510) 268-9600, (510) 796-9600, or (925) 462-1100 today.