Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications of diabetes. These complications can damage blood vessels in the back of the sensitive tissues of the eye (retina), and over time can lead to blindness.
When exposed to diabetes, the body does not use sugar (glucose) properly. If blood sugar levels are too high, then the natural lens of the eye will swell so the view is blurred. Over time the amount of sugar that is too much can damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina (capillary), then comes the "diabetic retinopathy."
Signs and symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms or only cause mild eye disorders. But over time, can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy include:
- Floating spots in vision
- Vision blurred or out of focus
- Dark stripes or red that block vision
- It's hard to see at night • Vision disappear altogether / blind
- Examination / Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
As part of the eye test, your doctor will do a photo of the retina called fluorescein angiography. First, the doctor will enlarge the pupil then photographing the inside of the eye. Then a special color fluid will be injected into a vein in the arm. More pictures will be taken along with the fluid flow and the color began to circulate on the eyes. Doctors will use the photos to see where the blood vessels are closed, damaged or leaking.
The doctor usually will ask you to undergo optical coherence tomography (OCT). This test produces images of cross-examination of the retina can indicate retinal thickness and to determine whether the fluid has leaked into the tissues of the retina.
To strongly recommended to control blood sugar with diet and medication to slow or prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy or other complications. It is better to do an eye exam once a year.
Similarly, information about the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy in Eyes. May be useful for you.