What Patients Should Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a condition that results from high glucose levels in the bloodstream. If left untreated, this can lead to various organ complications like diabetic retinopathy. Your expert optometrist from Vienna Eyecare Center explains what you need to know about it.

Causes and Risk Factors

High sugar content in the blood can make it more viscous and impair blood circulation to your eyes. This causes diabetic retinopathy. The increased blood sugar can also lead to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision irregularities like fluctuating vision, double vision, eye pain and more.

Stages and Corresponding Manifestations of the Condition

Early or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is usually asymptomatic. This is why comprehensive eye exams conducted by an expert eye doctor are so important. The exams can help detect and treat the condition early. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is characterized by pre-retinal hemorrhage, ischemia from decreased blood flow to the retina and the development of abnormal blood vessels next to the vitreous and optic nerve.

Treatment

A good management plan will stop or at least prevent the progression of this condition. The key element is strictly managing the patient’s blood sugar levels. We recommend strict adherence to your doctor’s diet and lifestyle plan and taking your diabetes medication regularly. We also recommend taking a dilated eye exam, so an eye doctor can assess the retina for any signs of this condition.

We have served local patients for decades. Our experienced doctors and staff do their best to make you comfortable and relaxed when you visit us. We will listen to your concerns, answer all of your questions and provide you with the best eye care and an excellent selection of eyeglasses. Call us at (703) 938-7633 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment. We serve Vienna, Reston, McLean and nearby areas in VA.