Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. High blood sugar levels may damage the small blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This condition is broadly known as diabetic eye disease. It represents a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina. These damaged vessels may form new scar tissue or leak fluid, which can stop blood from passing through. In some cases, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes may harm your vision.
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy. The first is non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), which is the early stage. In NPDR, tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. Many people with NPDR have no symptoms. As the condition progresses, it can advance to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This is a more advanced stage where the retina begins to grow new blood vessels. These new vessels may bleed into the vitreous, which is the gel-like fluid in the center of the eye, and cause vision loss.
What Is Diabetic Macular Edema?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. DME occurs when fluid leaks from damaged retinal blood vessels and accumulates in the macula, causing it to swell. This swelling can blur vision and lead to vision loss. DME may occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to happen as the disease progresses. Left unaddressed, DME can cause permanent damage to central vision.
How Are They Treated?
Managing blood sugar and blood pressure is a primary method for slowing the progression of diabetic eye disease. Consistent monitoring and control of these health metrics can reduce the risk of developing or worsening these conditions. For individuals who develop diabetic retinopathy or DME, several medical treatments are available to help manage the conditions and protect vision.
One common treatment involves anti-VEGF injections. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a chemical that stimulates the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Anti-VEGF medications are injected directly into the eye to block the effects of this chemical. This can reduce swelling of the macula and slow vision loss. Another option is laser treatment. A focal laser procedure may be used to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina, helping to reduce macular swelling.
Seek Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing eye conditions that may lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection through regular, comprehensive dilated eye exams allows for timely intervention. An eye care professional can identify signs of diabetic retinopathy and DME before significant symptoms appear. Prompt treatment can slow the progression of these diseases and prevent further damage to your sight. If you experience any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, floaters, or dark spots, contact an eye specialist without delay.
