Diabetes often causes damage to the retina, the area of the eye responsible for vision. Cataracts and glaucoma also occur more frequently in diabetics. There are two forms of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative, the less damaging and more common type, and proliferative, which can significantly impair vision. In non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, small blood vessels in the retina swell and may become blocked. In proliferative disease, fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and the vitreous, the gel that fills the center of the eye, the National Eye Institute explains. Early non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy often advances with few symptoms.
Before and During Treatment
Step 1
Watch for early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Around 40 to 45 percent of diabetics in the United States have some type of diabetic retinopathy, the NEI reports. Blurred vision floaters, poor night vision and decrease in color vision can indicate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Step 2
Schedule an appointment with a retina specialist. Retinal specialists, ophthalmologists who specialize in diseases of the retina, often work closely with diabetics to manage complications of the disease. Having regular eye appointments can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent in diabetics, the NEI states.
Step 3
Undergo testing. Most retinal doctors have specialized equipment in their offices to look at the retina. Optical coherence tomography, a non-invasive test, takes pictures of the layers of the retina and can detect swelling or other abnormalities in the macula, the central point of vision on the retina. Fluorescein angiogram is done after dye is injected into a vein. Pictures taken as the dye circulates can follow the dye through the blood vessels of the eye, MayoClinic.com explains.
Step 4
Discuss options with medical personnel. Once testing is complete, the doctor will discuss treatment options, which may include an injection of steroids or substances called anti-VEGFs into the eye, which decrease abnormal blood vessel growth. Laser, cryotherapy or surgery may also be done.
Step 5
Listen to instructions. Medical personnel will go over the treatment and explain the procedure and any follow-up.
Step 6
Comply with instructions during the procedure. Instructions to look in a certain direction or remain still protect the patient from injury during the procedure.
After Treatment
Step 1
Review the signs of complications with your doctor, so problems can be identified and treated quickly. Ask for written instructions to ensure that you know who to call and what to do if problems arise.
Step 2
Watch for signs of complications. Severe pain in the eye, sudden vision loss, increasing redness or light sensitivity may indicate complications that can threaten vision if not treated. Always call promptly to report symptoms to the physician.
Step 3
Take medications as prescribed. Stopping medications before instructed or taking them incorrectly can interfere with treatment results and can cause serious complications such as infection or elevated pressure in the eye.
Step 4
Follow up as instructed. Procedures for diabetic retinopathy require regular follow-up. Treatments may prevent permanent vision loss. Always schedule a follow-up appointment after a treatment for the time periods suggested by the physician.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't skip ophthalmic appointments when vision seems okay; damage often isn't noticeable until it's irreversible.
- Diabetic eye complications can occur suddenly and cause profound vision loss without immediate treatment. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness. Always report vision changes to the physician promptly. Serious vision-threatening infection in the eye called endophthalmitis can occur if antibiotics aren't taken as prescribed after some treatments. Always follow instructions exactly as written.
