Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and background retinopathy are serious conditions that can slowly rob diabetics of their vision. Everyone living with diabetes should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and schedule routine eye examinations with an ophthalmologist.

Non-proliferative Retinopathy (Background Retinopathy)

The first stage of diabetic retinopathy, known as non- proliferative retinopathy or background retinopathy, often has no noticeable signs or symptoms, although retinal swelling may be present. This is the stage where the tiny capillaries of the retina become semi-permeable membranes. (Later, they will leak fluid and blood.)

The best way to catch background retinopathy before the disease progresses is to schedule regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist. All diabetics, even those who do not require vision correction, should have their eyes thoroughly examined every year. Diabetic women who are pregnant should have their eyes examined every trimester.

Blood glucose control is also a factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and background retinopathy. Taking care of your eyes goes hand-in-hand with watching your blood sugar. Testing your blood sugar (and testing it often) is imperative for controlling diabetes and preventing vision loss.

Macular Edema

When the center of the macula — the tiny part of the eye responsible for sharp, direct vision — begins to swell, vision may become blurry. This middle stage of diabetic retinopathy, known as macular edema, often overlaps the other stages. This is the stage where the capillaries in the retina begin to leak fluid, causing swelling and blurred vision.

There are two types of macular edema: focal and diffuse. Focal macular edema occurs when the retinal capillaries develop micro-aneurisms which leak fluid, resulting in several distinct points of leakage. Diffuse macular edema is caused by the dilation of retinal capillaries, creating leakage that is diffused over a general area.

The type of macular edema present will determine the kind of diabetic retinopathy treatment your doctor uses. Early detection of macular edema will help ensure the most effective treatment, so diabetics should have their eyes examined every year by a qualified ophthalmologist.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

As damaged blood vessels begin to break, blood can leak into the eye. This third stage of diabetic retinopathy, called proliferative diabetic retinopathy, is characterized by cloudiness and impaired vision. When the retinal capillaries break, they are no longer able to supply the retina with the necessary nutrients. The nutrient-starved retina sends out a chemical signal that prompts the growth of new capillaries. This growth is called neovascularization.

The new blood vessels that form as a result of proliferative diabetic retinopathy cause more damage to the eye. These capillaries are unable to restore nutrients to the retina because they are fragile and weak. They also tend to burst, causing blood and fluid to leak into the eye. The new vessels also exert traction on the surrounding structures and connective tissue, which can eventually detach the retina. Intraocular pressure can also increase as a result of the new capillaries, as they can block the ducts where fluid is drained from the eye. This condition is known as neovascular glaucoma.

During proliferative diabetic retinopathy, scar tissue development, retinal detachment, and blindness can occur.

Talk to a Doctor in Your Area about Diabetic Retinopathy

Blood glucose maintenance and regular eye exams are the two most important factors in the successful prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Whether you are suffering from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or background retinopathy, treatments may be available to help protect your vision and slow the progression of the disease. Diabetics should test their blood sugar daily and be examined by an ophthalmologist annually. Simply search DocShop's directory of qualified ophthalmologists to find a doctor in your area for regular vision evaluations, diabetic retinopathy diagnosis, or treatment.