Diabetic Retinopathy – Symptoms & Prevention

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that impacts the eyes. This condition occurs due to damage to the retina’s blood vessels, the part of the eye that is sensitive to light. Initially, diabetic retinopathy may present no symptoms or only minor vision issues, but it has the potential to cause blindness if left untreated.

Individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases the longer a person lives with diabetes, especially if their blood sugar levels are poorly managed.

Regular eye care is vital for those with diabetes. An annual comprehensive dilated eye examination is essential for the early detection of diabetes mellitus retinopathy. Early identification is key as it allows for timely intervention to protect vision. Alongside regular eye check-ups, effective management of diabetes through a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and adherence to prescribed medication can help prevent or slow down the progression of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy usually don’t have any symptoms. Some people notice changes in their vision, like trouble reading or seeing faraway objects. These changes may come and go. 

In the later stages of the disease, blood vessels in the retina start to bleed into the vitreous (gel-like fluid that fills your eye). If this happens, you may see dark, floating spots or streaks resembling cobwebs. Sometimes, the spots clear up on their own — but getting treatment right away is important. Without treatment, scars can form in the back of the eye. Blood vessels may also start to bleed again, or the bleeding may worsen and cause vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy Causes

Diabetic retinopathy arises as a consequence of prolonged high blood sugar levels due to diabetes. Over time, excess sugar in the bloodstream can damage various body parts, including the retina. The retina, a crucial eye part, detects light and transmits visual signals to the brain via the optic nerve.

In individuals with diabetes, the small blood vessels that supply the retina can become damaged. High blood sugar levels can cause these tiny vessels to become blocked, leading to fluid leakage or bleeding in the retina. In response to the blocked vessels, the eyes attempt to compensate by forming new blood vessels. However, these newly formed vessels are fragile and do not function properly, making them prone to leakage and bleeding. This process underscores the importance of managing blood sugar levels to prevent or minimize the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and its complications.

Diabetic Retinopathy Stages

Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two main types:

1. Early Diabetic Retinopathy: The more common form is nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), characterized by the absence of new blood vessel growth. In NPDR, the walls of the retina’s blood vessels weaken. Small protrusions, or microaneurysms, form from the vessel walls, potentially causing fluid and blood to leak into the retina. Larger vessels in the retina may also change, becoming dilated and irregular. NPDR can range from mild to severe, worsening as more vessels become obstructed.
2. Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: This severe stage is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In PDR, the damaged blood vessels close off, leading to the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These vessels are fragile and can leak into the eye’s vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance. The growth of these vessels can also result in scar tissue, which might cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. Additionally, if these vessels block the normal fluid drainage from the eye, it can increase pressure within the eye, potentially damaging the optic nerve and causing glaucoma.

In some cases, the damage to retinal vessels can cause fluid accumulation in the macula, the central part of the retina. This condition, macular edema, can affect vision and requires treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Risk Factors

Diabetic retinopathy is a potential complication for anyone with diabetes, regardless of the type. This includes individuals with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, which is a form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. The likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy escalates with several factors:

1. Duration of Diabetes: The longer an individual has diabetes, the greater their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause more damage to the blood vessels in the retina, increasing the likelihood of this condition.
2. Poorly Controlled Blood Sugar Levels: Consistently high blood sugar levels can accelerate the damage to the retinal vessels. Effective management of blood sugar through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is crucial in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
3. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, exacerbates the damage to the delicate blood vessels in the retina, compounding the effects of diabetes on the eyes. Managing blood pressure is essential to reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
4. Elevated Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of deposits in the blood vessels, including those in the retina, impairing blood flow. This contributes to the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important in mitigating this risk.
5. Being Pregnant: Pregnancy can alter the body’s response to insulin and affect blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy in women with pre-existing diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes also face a higher risk. Regular eye exams during pregnancy are crucial for early detection and management.
6. Use of Tobacco Products: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products contribute to vascular damage and can worsen the complications of diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy. Avoiding tobacco use is an important factor in reducing the risk.
7. Ethnic Backgrounds Including Black, Hispanic, or Native American: Research indicates that certain ethnic groups, such as Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, have a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. This increased risk may be due to genetic factors, as well as social, economic, and health disparities that affect the management of diabetes.

Understanding and addressing these risk factors can play a significant role in the prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy, helping to preserve vision and eye health in individuals with diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to several serious vision complications:

1. Vitreous Hemorrhage: This occurs when the new, fragile blood vessels bleed into the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance inside the center of the eye. If the bleeding is minor, it may result in the appearance of dark spots or floaters in one’s vision. However, in more severe cases, extensive bleeding can fill the vitreous cavity, leading to a significant or complete blockage of vision. Although a vitreous hemorrhage can be alarming, it usually doesn’t result in permanent vision loss. The blood often clears from the eye within weeks or months, provided the retina is not damaged; vision typically restores to its prior state.
2. Retinal Detachment: The abnormal blood vessels and associated scar tissue formation in diabetic retinopathy can cause the retina to pull away from the back of the eye. This detachment can manifest as floating spots in the vision, flashes of light, or severe vision loss. Retinal detachment is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention to prevent lasting vision impairment.
3. Glaucoma: In some cases, new blood vessels grow on the iris (the colored part of the eye) and disrupt the normal drainage of fluid from the eye. This can lead to increased pressure inside the eye, known as glaucoma. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma associated with diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
4. Blindness: In its advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy, along with related conditions such as macular edema (swelling in the central retina) and glaucoma, can lead to complete vision loss, particularly if these conditions are not adequately managed. Blindness can occur when these eye diseases cause irreversible damage to the retina, vitreous, and optic nerve.

Each complication underscores the importance of regular eye examinations for individuals with diabetes, as early detection and treatment can help prevent severe vision problems. Managing diabetes effectively is also crucial in reducing the risk of these serious eye complications.

How To Prevent Eye Damage From Diabetes

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent diabetic retinopathy, there are several effective strategies for reducing the risk and preventing severe vision loss. These include:

1. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule routine eye examinations to detect changes in the eyes early. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy can allow for timely treatment and better outcomes.
2. Effective Diabetes Management: Incorporate a balanced diet and regular physical activity into your daily routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week, such as brisk walking. Adherence to prescribed oral diabetes medications or insulin is also crucial.
3. Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly checking and recording blood sugar levels is essential, especially during illness or stress. Consult with your doctor on the frequency of these checks to maintain optimal control.
4. Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight management can help control blood pressure and cholesterol. In some cases, medication may be necessary to achieve these health goals.
5. Quitting Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can exacerbate diabetes complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Seeking assistance to quit smoking can significantly reduce these risks.
6. Responding to Vision Changes: Be vigilant about changes in vision, such as sudden blurriness, spots, or haziness. Immediate consultation with an eye doctor is important when such changes occur.
7. Active Participation in Diabetes Care: Taking an active role in managing diabetes can prevent complications like diabetic retinopathy. Regular A1C testing is a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of your diabetes treatment plan. Working collaboratively with your healthcare provider to achieve and maintain your target A1C level can help manage or prevent diabetic retinopathy.
8. Take Vitamins: In the management of diabetic retinopathy, nutritional interventions can play a supportive role alongside conventional therapies. A comprehensive literature review suggests that certain vitamins and supplements may help reduce this condition’s risk and severity. Key nutrients identified include a combination of B vitamins – specifically B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), L-methylfolate, and methylcobalamin (B12). Vitamins C and D and the natural vitamin E complex are also beneficial. Additionally, the antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-lipoic acid, and n-acetylcysteine have been recognized for their protective effects on the retina and choroid. Some medical foods that contain these nutrients have been used successfully to treat retinopathy. Based on these findings and clinical experiences, recommendations have been developed for clinicians to integrate these nutritional supports into the conventional treatment plans for diabetic retinopathy. This holistic approach aims to enhance the efficacy of traditional medical treatments, offering a comprehensive strategy for managing this eye condition.

• Pay attention to vision changes. Contact your eye doctor immediately if your vision suddenly changes or becomes blurry, spotty or hazy.

Treatment For Diabetic Retinopathy

In managing diabetic retinopathy, the approach and treatment vary depending on the stage of the condition. In the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy, the primary focus is monitoring the condition’s progression. Eye doctors often recommend regular check-ups to track changes in the eyes. For some individuals, especially those showing early signs of retinopathy, comprehensive dilated eye exams may be needed as frequently as every 2 to 4 months. It becomes crucial to initiate treatment promptly in the later stages of diabetic retinopathy, especially if there are noticeable vision changes. While treatments at this stage cannot reverse existing vision damage, they are essential in preventing further deterioration of vision. Alongside specific eye treatments, controlling diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is vital.

1. Injections: Medications known as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs are used to slow down or even reverse the progression of diabetic retinopathy. These drugs target specific growth factors contributing to abnormal blood vessel development. Corticosteroids are another class of medications that can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and swelling in the eye.
2. Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is a common approach for reducing retinal swelling and controlling leakage from blood vessels. This treatment involves using focused laser light to shrink and seal the leaking vessels, thereby reducing swelling and preventing further vision loss.
3. Eye Surgery: In more severe cases with significant bleeding in the retina or extensive scar tissue, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be recommended. This surgery involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and any blood or scar tissue that may be causing vision problems.

Each of these treatment options is designed to manage the effects of diabetic retinopathy and to help preserve as much vision as possible. Consultation with an eye care specialist is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the condition and individual health factors. Additionally, maintaining optimal diabetes management is a key part of preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

A Message From Viasox 

Viasox emphasizes the crucial role of managing blood sugar levels, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding smoking in preventing and managing diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, wearing diabetic socks or compression socks can support better circulation, a key aspect of diabetic care. These lifestyle choices collectively contribute to better overall health and can significantly reduce the risks associated with diabetes. Remember, taking proactive steps in managing diabetes can profoundly impact your eye health and general well-being.