{"id":7962,"date":"2020-09-21T14:55:16","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T14:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=7962"},"modified":"2021-07-26T09:49:49","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T09:49:49","slug":"a-deeper-understanding-of-diabetic-retinopathy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-diabetes-and-the-eyes\/why-does-diabetes-cause-blurry-vision\/a-deeper-understanding-of-diabetic-retinopathy\/","title":{"rendered":"A Deeper Understanding of Diabetic Retinopathy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetes.<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is critical to ensure that your blood sugar levels are under control and you are closely monitored by your eye doctor.<\/p>\n

The stages of vision loss<\/b><\/h2>\n

Diabetic retinopath<\/a>y occurs in four stages, though symptoms generally go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage.<\/p>\n

Annual eye exams are strongly recommended for people diagnosed with diabetes, or those at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.<\/b><\/p>\n

Stage 1: Mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mild nonproliferative retinopathy, also called Background retinopathy, is the earliest stage of the disease. During this stage, a high concentration of blood sugar in the retina causes the production of microaneurysms, or bulges in the tiny retinal blood vessels.<\/p>\n

These microaneurysms may later rupture and bleed, causing “dot-and-blot” hemorrhages in the retina.<\/b><\/p>\n

During this early stage, vision problems are unlikely to affect your daily life, and you may not even notice any visual changes. However, during an annual eye exam<\/a>, your eye doctor can detect signs of this early stage and will discuss ways in which you can prevent the progression of the disease\u2014 namely: keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.<\/p>\n

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of annual eye examinations, especially once you have been diagnosed with NPDR, as there is a five percent chance that the disease can progress to the second stage within one year.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

A diagnosis of NPDR in both eyes can increase your risk of rapid disease progression from the first to the third stage within three years.<\/p>\n

Stage 2: Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy<\/b> (NPDR)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy, also called pre-proliferative retinopathy, is the second stage of the disease.<\/p>\n

During this stage, the retinal blood vessels begin to swell and their integrity begins to diminish, impacting blood circulation throughout the retina.<\/b><\/p>\n

During this stage, visual symptoms may begin to present and may even lead to a condition called diabetic macular edema (DME)<\/b><\/a>. If blood leaks into the macula located in the center of the retina, the blood and fluid buildup can cause the macula to swell, causing loss of central vision and vision for fine details.<\/p>\n

Diabetic macular edema affects more than half of patients with diabetic retinopathy.<\/b><\/p>\n

Once a diagnosis of moderate NPDR is confirmed, it is recommended to have follow up eye exams every three to six months, as the risk for disease progression to the third stage within one year is between 12 to 27 percent.<\/p>\n

If you have diabetes, contact an eye doctor<\/a> near you, who can diagnose and discuss the best treatment options.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/strong>4 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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