Diabetic Retinopathy: How Can You Tell If Diabetes Is Affecting Your Eyes?

Living with diabetes requires careful monitoring of your health, and your eyes are no exception. One of the most serious eye conditions associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can quietly damage your vision if left untreated. At Steel Optical, we believe that understanding this condition and catching it early through comprehensive eye exams is key to protecting your sight.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. High blood sugar levels can cause these blood vessels to swell, leak, or even close off entirely, impairing your vision over time. In more advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels can grow on the surface of the retina, leading to scarring and even permanent vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through different stages:

• Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Early stage, with small areas of swelling.

• Moderate to Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Blood vessels begin to block, limiting blood supply.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: New blood vessels grow abnormally, increasing the risk of serious vision problems.

Because the early stages may not cause noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are critical for early detection and treatment.

Who Is at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Anyone with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes) can develop diabetic retinopathy. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Prolonged duration of diabetes

• Poor blood sugar control

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Pregnancy

• Tobacco use

The longer you have diabetes, the greater your chance of developing diabetic retinopathy. Protecting your overall health plays an important role in protecting your vision.

How Can You Tell If Diabetes Is Affecting Your Eyes?

In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy often presents no symptoms. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are essential. During a dilated eye exam at Steel Optical, we can closely examine the blood vessels in your retina to spot early signs of damage.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision

• Dark spots or floaters

• Fluctuating vision

• Impaired color vision

• Empty or dark areas in your vision

• Vision loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately. Early detection can help preserve your sight and slow the progression of the disease through appropriate treatments, including laser therapy, injections, or surgery.

Protect Your Vision with Regular Eye Care

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, but with regular monitoring and proactive care, vision loss can often be prevented or minimized. We are committed to helping our patients with diabetes maintain healthy vision through thorough, compassionate eye care.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Steel Optical to stay ahead of diabetic retinopathy. Visit our office in Eagan or Burnsville, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, or Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Please call (612) 439-8075, (952) 229-6462, (719) 264-5023 or (724) 778-6306 to book an appointment today.