Vision Care Services

Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, protect your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness.

The CDC estimates nearly one in three adults over 40 with diabetes has diabetic retinopathy. A yearly eye exam is the best way to catch it early.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing bleeding, swelling and abnormal new vessels. It's the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. The longer you've had diabetes, and the less controlled your blood sugar, the higher the risk.

Symptoms

Early on there are often no symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice:

Floaters, or dark spots and strings in your vision
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your vision
Colors that look faded
Vision loss

Notice sudden floaters, flashes or vision loss? Don't wait for your yearly exam. Call us right away.

Possible complications

Vitreous hemorrhageLeaking vessels bleed into the gel inside the eye, causing floaters or blocked vision.

Retinal detachmentScar tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.

GlaucomaAbnormal vessels can block fluid drainage and raise eye pressure.

Vision lossWithout treatment, the disease or its complications can cause blindness.

Protecting your sight

Managing your diabetes with your physician and having a dilated or retinal-imaging eye exam every year is the best way to prevent vision loss. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have a yearly diabetic eye exam.

“I had my first appointment with Dr. Matthew Helsing, O.D., and was very pleased with the experience. The doctor was attentive, professional, and explained everything clearly. The exam was comfortable and unhurried, and all my questions were answered.”

Zhanna M. · East Lake, Google review