Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, when left untreated, can cause vision loss and decrease your quality of life, but it does not have to. When caught early, vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable. At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we are here to help you understand diabetic retinopathy and the treatments available to you. 

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Learn more about diabetic retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy and How Does it Impact My Vision?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can cause blurry vision and total blindness in patients with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when an excess blood sugar level causes damage to blood vessels in the retina, a portion of the eye that takes in light and plays a vital function in our ability to see. 

The eye will attempt to correct this damage by creating new blood vessels. These new blood vessels can develop incorrectly, making them fragile and prone to leaking or bleeding. This may lead to vitreous hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. There are minimal to no symptoms in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, but if left untreated, the condition can worsen and cause more severe symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Difficulty seeing far away
  • Moving spots or streaks in the vision (floaters)
  • Blurry vision
  • Dark or blind spots in vision
  • Changes to the vision that disappear and reappear

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults diagnosed with diabetes ages 20 to 74. The best way to preserve vision and maintain eye health is by diagnosing diabetic retinopathy early. It is especially crucial for patients with diabetes to visit their eye doctor annually, even if they are not experiencing any vision problems. In some cases, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. 

You can help prevent diabetic retinopathy by:

  • Contacting a doctor if you are experiencing changes in your vision
  • Refraining from smoking 
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Monitoring your blood sugar 
  • Maintaining a healthy blood pressure 

What is Diabetic Retinopathy and How Does it Impact My Vision?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can cause blurry vision and total blindness in patients with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when an excess blood sugar level causes damage to blood vessels in the retina, a portion of the eye that takes in light and plays a vital function in our ability to see. 

The eye will attempt to correct this damage by creating new blood vessels. These new blood vessels can develop incorrectly, making them fragile and prone to leaking or bleeding. This may lead to vitreous hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. There are minimal to no symptoms in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, but if left untreated, the condition can worsen and cause more severe symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Difficulty seeing far away
  • Moving spots or streaks in the vision (floaters)
  • Blurry vision
  • Dark or blind spots in vision
  • Changes to the vision that disappear and reappear

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults diagnosed with diabetes ages 20 to 74. The best way to preserve vision and maintain eye health is by diagnosing diabetic retinopathy early. It is especially crucial for patients with diabetes to visit their eye doctor annually, even if they are not experiencing any vision problems. In some cases, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. 

You can help prevent diabetic retinopathy by:

  • Contacting a doctor if you are experiencing changes in your vision
  • Refraining from smoking 
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Monitoring your blood sugar 
  • Maintaining a healthy blood pressure 

What are My Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable; however, early detection is vital to preserving vision and eye health. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent damage to the eyes and result in full vision loss. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy; treatment can only stop or slow its progression. At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we recommend regular eye exams to monitor the progression of your diabetic retinopathy and can refer you to a retina specialist who may offer the following treatment options.

Injectable Medications

Injectable medications known as Anti-VEGF drugs can prevent vision loss for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs reduce the development of abnormal blood vessels, decrease fluid buildup, and may also shrink blood vessels depending on the medication you receive. 

Laser Treatment (Panretinal Photocoagulation)

Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as scatter laser treatment, is a laser treatment that shrinks abnormal blood vessels and stops them from leaking. This treatment typically requires two or more sessions.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy removes blood and scar tissue from the vitreous (middle of the eye) through a  small incision. This allows light to focus better on the retina and may help improve vision. This treatment is typically performed with local anesthesia. 

What are My Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable; however, early detection is vital to preserving vision and eye health. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent damage to the eyes and result in full vision loss. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy; treatment can only stop or slow its progression. At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we recommend regular eye exams to monitor the progression of your diabetic retinopathy and can refer you to a retina specialist who may offer the following treatment options.

Injectable Medications

Injectable medications known as Anti-VEGF drugs can prevent vision loss for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs reduce the development of abnormal blood vessels, decrease fluid buildup, and may also shrink blood vessels depending on the medication you receive. 

Laser Treatment (Panretinal Photocoagulation)

Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as scatter laser treatment, is a laser treatment that shrinks abnormal blood vessels and stops them from leaking. This treatment typically requires two or more sessions.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy removes blood and scar tissue from the vitreous (middle of the eye) through a  small incision. This allows light to focus better on the retina and may help improve vision. This treatment is typically performed with local anesthesia. 

Take the
Next Step

Would you like to learn more about diabetic retinopathy and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!

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Clearer Vision
Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.

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Clearer Vision
Starts Here

View Our Financing Options

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.