Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy You Shouldn’t Ignore
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the inside layer of the eye responsible for detecting and converting light into signals for the brain to process into images. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness. Anyone with any type of diabetes is at risk of developing this condition. Therefore, it's important for individuals with diabetes to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Some individuals with diabetic retinopathy won’t have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Floaters (dark spots or strings in the field of vision)
- Blurred vision
- Fluctuating vision (blurred vision that comes and goes or other vision irregularities)
- Dark or empty areas in the field of vision
- Vision loss
- Difficulty reading or doing detailed work
When to See a Retina Specialist
One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes properly. Even without noticeable vision changes, annual comprehensive dilated eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy. If you're pregnant and develop gestational diabetes, your risk for diabetic retinopathy increases. In this situation, you may need regular eye exams throughout your pregnancy.
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional, intensive training to focus on diseases and conditions related to the retina, including diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in your vision, you should consult a retina specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment, the better your chances of preserving your vision.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist Today
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals with diabetes. You can reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by effectively managing your diabetes, but there is no guarantee you’ll prevent the condition. Therefore, it’s important to see a retina specialist if you notice any vision changes, no matter how small they may seem. With retina centers in Elmhurst, Flushing, Great Neck, Hauppauge, Upper East Side Manhattan, Scarsdale, Riverhead, https://www.vrcny.com/retina-centers/nassau/rockville-centre texxt: Rockville Centre, Shirley, and Westbury, Vitreoretinal Consultants is one of the largest retina practices serving patients in New York and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our top-rated retina specialists.