Blood sugar levels that are too high for an extended period of time can cause damage to the capillaries or the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the retina.
Over time, these blood vessels begin to leak fluids and fats, causing edema or swelling. Eventually, these vessels can close off which is called ischemia. These problems are signs of a non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention.
Strict control of blood sugar levels will significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Treatment does not cure diabetic retinopathy, nor does it typically restore normal vision. The importance of seeking treatment early is to slow the progression of vision loss. Lack of treatment allows the diabetic retinopathy to progress from minimal to severe stages, leading up to vision loss.
A medical eye exam is the only way to find changes inside your eye. Be sure to schedule an eye exam each year — especially if you are diabetic.
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy.
However, as it progresses symptoms can include:
1. Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
2. Blurred vision
3. Fluctuating vision
4. Dark or empty areas in your vision
5. Vision loss
6. Difficulty with color perception