Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Damage) - Symptoms, Warning Signs and Treatment

Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Damage), as the name suggests is caused due to Diabetes Mellitus and affects nearly 80% of people who have had Diabetes for more than 10 years or so. Too much blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels that provide nourishment to the retina in the eye. It can also affect the lenses and may cause blurred vision or in some cases vision loss. Diabetes Mellitus increases the risk of developing Cataracts and Glaucoma in your eyes.

There is no need to panic after reading this as 90% of the cases can be easily cured if diagnosed and treated at the correct time. A dilated eye examination with your eye doctor every year is all that it requires. Also you must report immediately to your eye doctor if you experience sudden vision changes, or if your vision becomes blurry, spotty or hazy. The best way of course is to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels and maintain it according to the advice of your Endocrinologist (Diabetes Specialist).

It is quite possible to have Diabetic Retinopathy and not have any symptoms in the early stages. But you may detect symptoms as the condition progresses. You may experience the following symptoms if you have Diabetic Retinopathy and this may usually affect both eyes.

1. Spots or dark strings in your vision

2. Blurred Vision

3. Poor night vision

4. Vision Loss

5. Impaired Vision

6. Impaired color vision

7. Dark or empty areas in your Vision

8. Fluctuating Vision

9. Patients already suffering from Cataract may experience blurry or hazy vision. At night, the patient may experience glare from oncoming lights.

10. Patients who suffer from a present Glaucoma need to be alert as they may not experience any symptoms until a significant loss of vision has already occurred.

Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Damage) treatment depends on the type of Diabetic Retinopathy you have. Treatment is given in accordance to the progress of the disease and how much it has affected the eyes. The efficacy of the Treatment also depends on how best the patient manages Diabetes.

Generally surgical treatments like Laser treatment may be given to the patient. Laser Treatments may include Focal Laser Treatment, Scatter laser treatment or Vitrectomy. Injections of Corticosteroids or anti-vascular-proliferative medications may be used in the area around the eye.

As Diabetes is a lifelong condition, future damage is possible or vision loss is also possible even after treatment. Patients need frequent follow ups with an Ophthalmologist. It is best to Control your Diabetes with medicines and regular blood tests to monitor blood glucose level. Walk for 30 minutes every day or divide into 15 minutes of walking 2 times a day. Try to quit smoking as it not only increases your risk of Diabetic complications but also Diabetic Retinopathy. Eye examinations are compulsory for Diabetic patients.

Maintain a good Diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and low-fat dairy products. Eat Fiber rich foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), whole-wheat flour and wheat bran. You can also eat Heart healthy Fish like Salmon, Mackerel, Cod, Tuna, Halibut and Herring, etc. Foods like Avocados, Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts, Olives, and Canola, Olive and Peanut oils can help lower your cholesterol levels. As all fats are high in calories, eat them sparingly.