What are the first signs of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a very serious eye condition that can lead to partial or complete vision loss if it is left unchecked. It can strike anyone at any age, and progress quite quickly.

That is why diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is very important, even if you are not feeling or seeing unusual when it comes to your sight.

Getting your eyes checked early on is essential as the cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment, as well as the damage that this condition causes, increases the longer that it is left unattended.

For those suffering from diabetes, getting a dilated eye exam at least once a year is a must. You should visit a Doctor Eye Institute once any signs of diabetic retinopathy show up.

But what exactly are these symptoms of diabetic retinopathy that you should look out for. If you experience any of the signs mentioned below, then it is time to have your eyes checked by an eye specialist doctor.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Those who suffer from diabetic retinopathy can suffer one or more of the following symptoms.

Floaters

Floaters are specks, often looking like worms or clouds, that move across your vision. In some cases, these are normal, especially if you look at bright objects directly, such as a lamp.

However, if the number of floaters or incidences increases, then it can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.

Dark Spots

Any dark spots that will obscure your vision is a clear sign that there is something wrong with your eyes. More often than not, this is due to diabetic retinopathy.

If you experience dark spots in your vision, no matter how small, then it is time to look for a specialist that can diagnose and treat your condition as needed.

Blurriness

Diabetic retinopathy can affect how your eyes focus. Those suffering from the condition may experience blurriness or distortion in their sight.

This can be experienced when reading or trying to look at objects that are far away. If you have trouble when it comes to focusing your sight, then diabetic retinopathy may be the culprit.

Loss of Vision

Loss of vision is a sign of severe cases of diabetic retinopathy. In some cases, you may have blind spots in the middle of your vision.

You can also experience that your peripheral vision is greatly diminished. Worst case, some also experience complete vision loss temporarily.

These effects can be sporadic but would lengthen in frequency until, eventually, loss of vision will become permanent and, in some cases, complete.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

As the name implies, diabetic retinopathy is caused by complications stemming from one of the three major diabetes types.

In fact, studies have shown that around 75% of Type-1 diabetes sufferers have some form of diabetic retinopathy, while the occurrence of retinopathy in diabetes type-2 patients is at about 50%.

Those who suffer from gestational diabetes, occurring during pregnancy, can also have this condition.

Diabetic retinopathy is mainly caused by high blood sugar. This blocks the blood vessels that supply blood to the retina, causing damage to the organ in numerous ways.

Damage can be caused by scar tissue and the growth of new blood vessels that may leak into the eye. These blood vessels can also dilate and add pressure in the eyeball.

All these things can cause damage to the optic nerves and can even cause the retina to detach from the rest of the eye.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed is through a dilated eye exam. This process lets eye specialists detect changes in the eye and how it currently functions.

The dilated eye exam tests for factors such as visual acuity, peripheral vision, muscle function, pupil response, eye pressure, and dilation.

All these tests will be used by an ophthalmologist to recognize if a patient in suffering from diabetic retinopathy.

Get the Best Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Mumbai

Suppose you are looking for the best diabetic retinopathy clinic in Mumbai that can help you deal with the debilitating effects of diabetic retinopathy. In that case, Doctor Eye Institute is one of the best options that you can have. With their team of specialists as well as cutting-edge equipment that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, Doctor Eye Institute is more than equipped to handle mild to severe cases of this condition.

Treatments include laser treatment, intravitreal injections, and vitrectomy procedures that can help slow down or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, helping patients save their previous sight. If you are suffering from or are at risk of diabetic retinopathy, then contact Doctor Eye Institute for a consultation now.

About Doctor Eye Institute –

Doctor Eye Institute, established in 1964, is a state-of-the-art eye care center with all the latest and most modern ophthalmic equipment and facilities. For the last 58+ years in service, Doctor Eye Institute Pvt. Ltd. has been the pioneer in providing many world-class treatments for total eye care in Mumbai, India. For decades we have provided the best equipment and facilities keeping updated with changing times and technology – a pursuit for excellence has been our tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is the condition by which essential parts of the eye, particularly the nerves and the retina, are damaged due to excessive blood sugar.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Signs that you have diabetic retinopathy include floaters in your vision, dark spots, loss of peripheral vision, blurriness or distortion, or partial or complete loss of vision, among others.

How Do I Get Checked for Diabetic Retinopathy?

An eye dilated exam is the best way to get checked out for diabetic retinopathy. For diabetics or for those having trouble with their vision, it is recommended that they get checked at least once a year.

Can Diabetic Retinopathy be Cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, with early and proper diagnosis and treatment, such as medication and surgical procedures, you can stop or slow down the progression of the disease.

Who is the Best Eye Doctor for Diabetic Retinopathy in Mumbai?

Dr. Kumar Doctor is the CEO of the Doctor Eye Institute. He is a member of ASCRS, ESCRS, AIOS, MOS, BOA and AIIS and has served as President of IIRSI from 2013 to 2014.

Dr. Kumar has received several awards and recognitions and specializes in many different specialized eye treatments.

Dr. Kumar has also been awarded “First Ophthalmic Surgeon in the World” during the 12th Schwind World User’s Meet.