Diagnosing and Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. You might not notice the symptoms at first, but it's important to know what to look for, so you can quickly set an appointment with Mitchell Optical Company to start treatment. Our optometrist, Dr. Spencer Maudlin, wants residents of Mitchell, IN, to know the signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when an overabundance of sugar in your blood damages retinal blood vessels. With its blood supply cut off, the retina tries to grow new blood vessels. These new blood vessels develop improperly, however, and only cause more harm.

As diabetic retinopathy develops, you might notice certain symptoms. You may not experience all of the following, however, so if you experience even one, make an appointment with your eye doctor.

Blurry vision
Areas of empty or dark vision
Fluctuating vision
Loss of color vision
Floating spots or dark strings in your field of vision
Vision loss

While you certainly need to visit the eye doctor for annual checkups, you also need to watch carefully for these symptoms.

Do not wait until your next annual appointment if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Schedule an additional exam that includes eye dilation so that your optometrist can get a complete view of the interior of your eyes. You cannot completely prevent diabetic retinopathy, but you can reduce the chances of its development by actively managing your diabetes. Pregnancy can make the disease worse, so schedule an additional eye exam during your pregnancy.

Numerous treatments exist to restore and protect your vision, including the following: 

Anti-VEGF injection therapy
Focal/grid macular laser surgery
Corticosteroids
Scatter laser surgery
Vitrectomy

Contact Mitchell Optical Company

The sooner you identify the problem, the quicker Dr. Maudlin can begin treatment. He can work with you to develop a treatment plan that can maintain and preserve your vision. If you have diabetes, watch for the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, so you can respond quickly. Annual eye doctor appointments are your first line of defense. Call Mitchell Optical Company at 812-849-4385 to schedule an appointment today.