Information on Diabetic Retinopathy Progression

It is extremely important that all diabetes patients stay up to date on the latest information on diabetic retinopathy. As this disease progresses from the initial stages into more severe stages, devastating symptoms such as retinal detachment and visual impairment begin to occur. Learn more about the progression of the disease, the importance of early diabetic retinopathy diagnosis, and how treatments such as laser photocoagulation surgery can help slow vision degeneration.

Changes in Vision as Diabetic Retinopathy Advances

There are four main stages of diabetic retinopathy: mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Over the course of these four stages, vision impairment often occurs gradually; however, sometimes patients experience more sudden changes in vision.

Asymptomatic

During the earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic. This means that there are no noticeable symptoms — such as pain or vision loss — to the patient, but it is highly possible that an eye specialist might find signs of the disease. For example, retinal swelling may be present, which can only be detected through an eye examination. Get more information on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Minor Visual Impairment: Spotty or Blurry Vision

As the disease advances into moderate NPDR, minor visual impairment can occur. Although patients are still able to see, they can be frustrated by blurring and blind spots that inhibit clear vision. These symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are sometimes linked to macular edema, which is the swelling of the part of the eye that controls central vision, known as the macula.

Severe Visual Impairment: Retinal Detachment

In the final stage of NPDR and the onset of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe visual impairment takes place, often accompanied by retinal detachment. Retinal detachment in PDR patients is caused by both the intense swelling (due to abnormal capillaries leaking fluid into the eye) and the traction of scar tissue on the retina itself. If left untreated, retinal detachment causes serious vision loss and even blindness.

Blindness

If the disease has progressed into proliferative diabetic retinopathy without the patient receiving any preventative care or medical intervention, blindness can result. At this time, PDR is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in the United States. Retinal detachment, macular edema, and the breakdown of capillaries in the retina can all prevent normal blood flow through the eye and lead to total vision loss.

Contact a Specialist for More Information on Diabetic Retinopathy

Two of the greatest tools we have for preventing the spread of this disease are accurate patient examinations and information on its development. Diabetic retinopathy might not be curable, but it is treatable, and the devastating symptoms it causes can be prevented from escalating further. If you have noticed any signs of vision loss or believe you have suffered a retinal detachment, please contact an ophthalmologist immediately. DocShop’s directory of eye care specialists is here to help you find an experienced doctor in your area.