Diabetic Retinopathy

A degenerative eye disease that occurs in people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and treatment options for the condition by reading the sections below.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

As its name suggests, the main cause of diabetic retinopathy is diabetes. Anyone with type I or type II diabetes can develop this degenerative eye disease. Pregnant women with diabetes are at an even higher risk for diabetic retinopathy and must have their vision checked every trimester during their pregnancy. Learn more about the causes of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the most frightening aspects of diabetic retinopathy is that most patients do not experience any symptoms or pain until the disease has begun to proliferate. This is why consistent preventative care is so important. However, there are several key symptoms of which patients should be aware. Get the facts about the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing diabetic retinopathy requires the expertise of a skilled ophthalmologist. A trained medical professional must perform a series of tests and a comprehensive eye examination. Find out what your eye doctor will look for and which tests should be performed for diabetic retinopathy diagnosis.

Diabetic Retinopathy Progression

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, the number of damaged blood vessels and amount of abnormal vessel growth increases. Having accurate information about diabetic retinopathy progression can help patients better understand the disease. Find more information on the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are two forms of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR). Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy refers to the early stages of the disease, while proliferative diabetic retinopathy refers to the severe, progressive stage. It is extremely important for patients to recognize the difference between these two types of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

In the earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy, serious treatment is not always required, as the disease can often be managed through noninvasive, lifestyle-oriented methods. However, if the disease becomes proliferative, more aggressive treatment aimed at preventing further vision loss and improving impaired vision is necessary. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy treatment available for patients. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy treatment.

Recovery after Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

The length and extent of recovery after a procedure to treat diabetic retinopathy depends upon the type of treatment the patient received. Recovery also depends upon the severity of the disease, as more aggressive measures are necessary to combat the most advanced stages from worsening. Learn about what you should expect during your recovery from diabetic retinopathy treatment.

Other Information on Diabetic Retinopathy — FAQs

A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy can be very frightening, and patients have a long list of questions concerning not only their treatment, but also the effect this disease will have on their everyday life. This web site provides answers to some frequently asked questions about diabetic retinopathy, as well as other information about degenerative eye diseases.

 

Talk to a Doctor in Your Area about Diabetic Retinopathy

DocShop provides patients interested in learning more about diabetic retinopathy with information on qualified doctors in their area. Find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area through DocShop’s online national directory.