Home »Diabetic Eye Disease » What You Should Know
Glaucoma | Diabetic Eye Disease | Low Vision | Healthy Eyes |
RELATED TOPICS
RESOURCES
Send Free E-Cards
|
What You Should Know
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision.
If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may notice no changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
What are the stages of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy has four stages:
By themselves, these blood vessels do not cause symptoms or vision loss. However, they have thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood, severe vision loss and even blindness can occur.
Who is at risk for diabetic retinopathy?
All people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are at risk, which is why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your eye care professional can recommend treatment to help prevent its progression.
During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may be a problem for women with diabetes. To protect vision, every pregnant woman with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Your eye care professional may recommend additional exams during your pregnancy.
|
Imagine How You Would See the World
Normal vision. Same scene viewed by a person with diabetic retinopathy. |