Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions, and it includes diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. When blood sugar stays high over time, it damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Here is more information on monitoring, prevention, and the main treatment options:
Monitoring Eye Health
Early diabetic eye disease typically has no symptoms, so you may not notice changes at first. As damage starts quietly, a yearly dilated eye exam helps your eye doctor find problems early. During this exam, drops widen your pupils for a clear view of the retina. Call your eye doctor sooner if you notice any of these changes:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- New floaters or dark spots
- Hard time seeing at night
- Faded or washed-out colors
- Sudden vision loss in one eye
If you are pregnant and have diabetes, your doctor may suggest more frequent exams. Pregnancy speeds up retinopathy in some women. Keep a record of your exam dates, and bring your latest A1C results to each visit.
Preventing Vision Loss
If you keep your blood sugar near your target range, you lower your risk of retinopathy. Your doctor may check your A1C periodically, and this number shows your average blood sugar. Your care team sets your personal goal.
Blood pressure and cholesterol may also affect the health of your retina. High blood pressure strains the small vessels that supply your eyes. Your doctor may prescribe medication, or you may start with changes to diet and activity.
Smoking narrows blood vessels, and it raises your risk of several eye problems. Quitting lowers that risk over time. While lifestyle changes take effort, small steps like daily walks support steady blood sugar. Regular eye exams are helpful for catching problems early and protecting your vision over time.
Getting Laser Surgery
When abnormal blood vessels grow or leak, your eye doctor may recommend laser treatment. Focal laser treatment seals specific leaking vessels near the macula. Scatter laser treats wider areas of the retina, and it shrinks abnormal vessels. Laser treatment aims to slow damage, but it does not restore lost vision. The procedure typically takes place in the office, and you go home the same day.
Injection Growth Factors
Vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, is a protein in your body. Too much VEGF triggers the growth of fragile new vessels, and these vessels often leak fluid. Anti-VEGF medicines block this protein, which may reduce leaking and swelling in the macula.
Before your doctor gives the injection, they numb your eye with drops. The shot takes only a few seconds, and patients typically feel pressure rather than pain. Treatment starts with monthly injections. Your doctor may space them out as your eye responds.
Address Diabetic Eye Disease
While diabetic eye disease typically develops without warning signs, regular exams help catch it early. You manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and your eye care team tracks changes in your retina. Schedule your next dilated eye exam today. Bring a list of questions so you understand each treatment option.
