Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is a leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina and usually affects both eyes. Initially, vision changes may not be noticed, but over time symptoms worsen and cause vision loss. Often there are no symptoms therefore it is extremely important that diabetics receive yearly dilated eye exams by an ophthalmologist.

Diabetic retinopathy can take two different forms:

• Blood vessels in the retina may swell and leak fluid
• Abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina

Anyone with diabetes, type 1 and 2, is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have diabetes, the great chance you will develop complications in the eye. Nearly 40-45 percent of Americans living with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy.

The image below compares how someone with advanced diabetic retinopathy views the world.

For additional information on the symptoms and treatments click here.