If you or a loved one has diabetes, understanding diabetic retinopathy is crucial for protecting your vision. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication that arises from high blood sugar levels, is one of the leading causes of adult vision loss. At EyeCU Optometry in Calgary, we are committed to helping patients monitor and manage this condition through comprehensive care.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the retina's blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth. Without treatment, this can progress to severe vision loss. Scheduling regular eye exams is essential, as early detection of retinopathy allows for better outcomes.
The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Here’s how diabetic retinopathy progresses:
- Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Small bulges form in the blood vessels of the retina, which may leak fluid. This early stage often has no noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial.
- Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: More vessels become blocked, reducing blood supply to retinal areas. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent further progression.
- Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: At this stage, many blood vessels are blocked, prompting the growth of abnormal vessels, which pose a serious risk to vision.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: The most advanced stage is marked by abnormal blood vessels that can bleed into the vitreous, causing severe vision issues. Without intervention, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy
EyeCU Optometry provides comprehensive diabetic eye exams to monitor diabetic retinopathy. Using advanced imaging, our optometrists detect even early signs of retinal damage. If you have diabetes, scheduling an annual eye exam is the best way to stay ahead of potential complications.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment options vary based on the disease stage:
- Laser Therapy: This treatment uses a laser to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal ones. Laser therapy can be effective for preventing severe progression.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling, which can prevent further vision loss.
- Vitrectomy: This surgery removes blood and scar tissue from the eye’s vitreous gel to improve vision in severe cases of diabetic retinopathy.
Our treatment options at EyeCU Optometry are customized to meet each patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal care for your vision.
Reducing Your Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
To lower the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, we recommend the following:
- Control Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol: Maintaining these levels can significantly reduce your risk.
- Stay on Top of Annual Eye Exams: Routine diabetic eye exams help catch any issues early.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising, and not smoking all contribute to lower risks for diabetic complications, including retinopathy.
Trust EyeCU Optometry for Your Diabetic Eye Care
At EyeCU Optometry, we’re dedicated to offering diabetic patients in Calgary personalized care to protect their vision. With our expert guidance and state-of-the-art technology, we help you manage your eye health every step of the way.
If you have diabetes, prioritize your eye health. Schedule a diabetic eye exam with EyeCU Optometry today to protect your vision.