What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem caused by diabetes. It affects the retina. The retina is the membrane that lines the inside of the back of the eye. It acts much like the film in a camera.

Retinopathy causes bleeding in the eye. Loss of vision, including blindness, can result. However, if you have regular eye exams and keep your diabetes under control, you may be able to prevent severe problems with your vision.

How does it occur?

Diabetes causes many of the small blood vessels of the retina to die. Other blood vessels may leak blood. New, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina and cause further damage. Permanent loss of some vision can result.

Many people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have retinopathy.

What are the symptoms?

Diabetic retinopathy begins before you have any symptoms. As the problem gets worse, the symptoms are:

• worsening vision

• temporary or permanent blindness.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will look at your eyes with a special light. He or she will be able to see inside your eyes and look for signs of retinopathy. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist.

How is it treated?

Early treatment can usually control the problem. A type of laser surgery called photocoagulation may be done. The surgeon focuses a laser beam on the retina to stop the growth of new blood vessels.

If there has been bleeding into the gel that fills the inside of the eyeball, the surgeon may remove the gel. The gel can be replaced with a substitute gel. This procedure is called a vitrectomy.

How long will the effects last?

As long as you have diabetes, there is a good chance you will have retinopathy. You may need to be treated more than once for the problem. You must have your eyes checked regularly to make sure you get treatment when you need it.

Retinopathy can cause the retina to become detached. This means the retina is pulled away from the inside surface of the eye. A detached retina is a medical emergency. If you do not have surgery within a short time to reattach your retina, you may lose your vision permanently. Call your health care provider immediately if you start seeing dark spots or light flashes or your vision is blocked, blurred, or distorted.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow your health care provider's recommendations and these guidelines:

• Sleep with your head raised. This position lowers blood pressure in your eyes.

• When you are sick, use cough medicines to help you cough less. (Coughing can put pressure on your eyes.)

• Eat foods with a lot of fiber. Use stool softeners if you have to strain during bowel movements. (Straining puts pressure on your eyes.)

• When you have stomach flu, ask your health care provider about taking medicine to prevent vomiting. (Vomiting also puts pressure on your eyes.)

• Take motion sickness medicine when you travel to avoid vomiting. Ask your health care provider which medicine you should take.

What can be done to help prevent diabetic retinopathy?

To help prevent diabetic retinopathy, follow these guidelines:

• Control your blood sugar.

• Control your blood pressure.

• Stop smoking. (Smoking may speed up the development of retinopathy.)

• Follow your diet and health care plan for your diabetes so you have fewer complications.

• Avoid straining movements whenever possible, including sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and difficult bowel movements.

• Make sure you have eye exams regularly. Ask your health care provider how often your eyes should be checked.

• Immediately tell your health care provider if you have any change in your vision.