Diabetic retinopathy is a condition common in those with diabetes and high blood sugar. It damages your eyes and, over time, can begin to damage your vision. At Progressive Eyecare & Eyewear, serving Indianapolis and Fishers, IN, our optometrist can diagnose this condition and provide you with treatment options.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that often occurs after you've developed diabetes. In many people, it can take a good 10 years for the eye condition to form. The condition occurs when your high blood sugar levels make the blood vessels in your retina swell and then leak. The result is a loss of vision if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy is progressive. It doesn't always present symptoms when it's in milder stages. However, the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat it. There's no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but there are ways to slow its progression and preserve your vision.
Symptoms may include blurry vision at more moderate stages, but early stages of the disease often have no symptoms. This is why, if you have diabetes, you’ll want to get your eyes checked often. As the disease progresses, you may get more floaters or start to notice blind spots.
Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy
It is important to get routine eye exams, especially if you have diabetes. Our optometrist can detect diabetic retinopathy early, before it worsens. The condition can be diagnosed with a simple retinal imaging exam. If our eye doctor spots signs of the condition, we will perform several tests to confirm a diagnosis. Then, we will develop a management plan for you.
Diabetic Retinopathy Management
Right now, most treatments consist of controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. When you remove the triggers for blood vessel swelling, you reduce the leakage leading to the retina. Laser photo coagulation and vitrectomy are two other treatments, used in more serious cases. Our eye doctor will work with you to find the right treatment for your condition.
Visit Our Optometrist in Fishers and Indianapolis, IN for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Routine eye exams are vital in detecting diabetic retinopathy early and preserving your vision. If you have diabetes, you may need more frequent exams. At Progressive Eyecare & Eyewear in Indianapolis and Fishers, IN, our eye doctor will diagnose this condition and help you manage it. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more.