Diabetic Retinopathy: FAQ

Common Questions Asked About Diabetic Retinopathy

A complication that all diabetics should be aware of is diabetic retinopathy. This condition causes eye problems and even blindness if your diabetes is not properly controlled. If you are wondering why this condition is so important to take seriously, have a look at the below information that our eye doctors at Shippee Family Eye Care in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury, and Montpelier have provided.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that results from diabetes. When the blood sugar levels in the body rise above normal levels, they cut off blood supply from the retina, which is a tissue that helps process light in the eyes. In order to receive a new supply of blood, the retina will create new blood vessels. However, in the process, the new blood vessels become abnormal and leak in the eye, which is the reason behind vision impairment.

What Happens When Diabetic Retinopathy is Not Addressed?

The problem with diabetic retinopathy is that it can lead to other severe problems besides vision impairment if nothing is done about it. Not addressing diabetic retinopathy can cause:

• Hemorrhage in the vitreous
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular edema
• Irreversible vision loss
• What Are the Signs?
• The signs of diabetic retinopathy are as follows:
• Blurry vision
• Color perception difficulties
• Vision loss
• Seeing empty or dark spots in the peripheral vision
• Seeing flashes of light or floaters
• Fluctuating vision

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

For mild and moderate cases, you only need to manage your diabetes to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. In severe cases, surgical treatment is needed to stop new blood vessels from leaking in the eye, slow the advancements of diabetic retinopathy, and save as much vision as possible.

Call Us

At Shippee Family Eye Care, we have state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. If you are experiencing the symptoms of this condition, give us a call to schedule an appointment. To reach our Lancaster office, call 603-788-3561. For our St. Johnsbury office, call 802-748-3536. Our Montpelier office number is 802-223-7723.