Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurry vision and significantly affect your quality of life. Not only that, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to blindness. At Eyecare Professionals in Washburn, Hazen, and Mandan, ND, we offer eye exams to diagnose diabetic retinopathy and provide treatment that can preserve your vision. Before visiting us, read about some frequently asked questions regarding this condition below:

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness and affects one third of all people with diabetes. It develops when the small blood vessels supplying blood to light-sensitive retinas become damaged and leaky due to chronically elevated levels of blood sugar. This blood vessel damage causes damage and scarring on the retinas. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, new abnormal blood vessels grow in an attempt to compensate for the retinal damage.

Not everyone with diabetes will get diabetic retinopathy, but the risk increases if a person has poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, family history, other comorbidities, and/or a smoking habit.

Having diabetic retinopathy may also increase your risk for other eye health conditions like glaucoma and retinal detachment.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

A person with diabetic retinopathy may not notice any symptoms early on. If the condition becomes severe enough, a person may begin to notice:

• Blurry vision
• Poor night and color vision
• Floaters and spots in their field of vision

How Can Our Eye Doctors Treat Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy treatment depends on individual factors. An ophthalmologist can offer many advanced treatments to slow the disease progression and maximize vision:

• Photocoagulation to stop leaking blood vessels
• Vitrectomy, to remove bloody fluid and scar tissue in the eyes
• Medications
• Corrective eyewear prescriptions and low-vision strategies

Improving overall well-being and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is also essential for the person who has or is at risk for diabetic retinopathy.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, our team at Eyecare Professionals in Washburn, Hazen, and Mandan, ND, can help. With the right treatment, we can slow down the progression of the condition and reduce vision loss. To schedule your appointment, contact our Washburn location at (701) 462-8636, Hazen office at (701) 748-6533, or our Mandan office at (701) 663-2020 today. When you’re looking for an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist!