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Diabetic Retinopathy Revisited

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Eye Exam

Eye Exam

Official Definition: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that results from damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).

Last fall I had my eye exam and came out in the clear. I am so lucky, as I’ve been diabetic since my kidney transplant in 2003. Millions of people are not that lucky, unfortunately.

Diabetic Retinopathy can happen to anyone with diabetes type 1 or type 2. How can you stop it? By controlling your blood sugar and having annual eye exams. You have the power to control your diabetes and it’s symptoms.

You should see a health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

Spots floating in your vision
Blurred vision
Dark streaks or a red film that blocks your vision
Poor night vision
Vision loss
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is usually classified as early or advanced:

Early diabetic retinopathy. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the most common type of diabetic retinopathy. It can be described as mild, moderate or severe. When you have NPDR, the walls of the blood vessels in your retina weaken.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the most severe type of diabetic retinopathy. When you have PDR, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina.

Tests and diagnosis

Diabetic retinopathy is best diagnosed with a dilated eye exam. During the exam, your eye doctor will look for:

Abnormal blood vessels
Swelling, blood or fatty deposits in the retina
Damage to the nerve tissue
Growth of new blood vessels and scar tissue
Bleeding in the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye (vitreous)
Retinal detachment

As part of the eye exam, your doctor may do a retinal photography test called fluorescein angiography.

There are a wide variety of treatments and preventative maintenance available. Take control of your diabetes!


Posted in Diabetic retinopathy on January 18th, 2009

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3 Responses to “Diabetic Retinopathy Revisited”

  1. Diabetes Health Talk » Blog Archive » Diabetic Retinopathy Revisited | Sad Celebs Says:
    January 19th, 2009 at 1:06 am

    [...] Go! And then Share and Enjoy: [...]

  2. How Diabetes Affects Your Vision Says:
    March 12th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    [...] Diabetic Retinopathy Revisited Official Definition: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that results from damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Last fall I had my eye exam and came out in the clear. [...]

  3. Britney Says:
    June 11th, 2009 at 9:20 am

    Good post. I enjoyed reading your blog. I’ve added you to my bookmarks and will be back soon.

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