Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are several important signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to diabetic retinopathy. Although many of these symptoms are not present in the earliest stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, they often present themselves as the disease progresses toward advanced or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. If you have type I or II diabetes, you are at risk for developing this degenerative eye disease. Learn more about the causes of diabetic retinopathy and how it can lead to vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Many diabetic patients are shocked when they receive a diabetic retinopathy diagnosis and learn that they’ve been living with a degenerative eye disease and never noticed. Often it’s not until patients begin to lose their normal vision that they realize they need to see a doctor. The following signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are commonly presented after the disease has already worsened:

• Retinal Changes
• Floaters
• Spotty, Blurry, or Hazy Vision
• Difficulty Reading or Seeing Close Up

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you contact an experienced ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Also, some symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may change during the progression of the disease.

Retinal Changes

Even though a patient may have no vision impairment, retinal changes noticed during a vision exam can be symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. These changes include retinal swelling, blood vessels leaking fluids, and any scar tissue or abnormal deposits on the retina.

Floaters

Floaters are small shadows cast on the retina by tiny floating cells of vitreous gel as the vitreous pulls away from the back of the eye. Blood cells that have leaked into the vitreous can also lead to floaters. Floaters are manifested as small spots that are suspended or move around within the line of vision. They can also create a “spider web” effect, which gives the impression of looking through a mesh of thin fibers.

Spotty, Blurry, or Hazy Vision

When floaters become more plentiful in the vitreous, and microaneurysms cause blood and other fluid to leak into the retina, vision becomes increasingly impaired. Patients lose the ability to see objects with great detail, and often have difficulty driving at night or experience blind spots in parts of their visual field.

Difficulty Reading or Seeing Close Up

When the retina is damaged, it often distorts the eye’s ability to focus on things close-up. Reading, sewing, writing, and other activities requiring adequate focusing power become more and more difficult. Although this type of vision impairment is typical as the body ages, it is also one of the primary symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.

Locate a Specialist in Your Area for More Information on Diabetic Retinopathy

If you are experiencing one or several of these signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, it is important to find an eye care specialist immediately. With DocShop’s directory of well-trained ophthalmologists, you can locate a doctor in your area right away. Finding excellent eye care has never been easier.