Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy: Protect Your Vision with Early Care

Living with diabetes means keeping a close eye on your health—including your vision. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication that affects nearly one-third of adults over 40 with diabetes, and rates are even higher among African- and Mexican-Americans.

If you have diabetes, regular eye exams are essential. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at CenturyLink Field today.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.

This damage can lead to:

• Bleeding inside the eye
• Swelling of retinal tissue

Growth of abnormal blood vessels

The longer you’ve had diabetes—and the less controlled your blood sugar—the higher your risk.

Symptoms to Watch For

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. But as it progresses, you might experience:

• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Floaters (dark strings or spots)
• Loss of vision
• Reduced color perception

If you notice any of these signs—even if you’ve had a recent eye exam—don’t wait. Contact us right away.

Possible Complications

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious vision problems, including:

• Vitreous Hemorrhage- Bleeding into the clear gel inside your eye, causing floaters or blocked vision
• Retinal Detachment- Scar tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye, leading to flashes of light or severe vision loss
• Glaucoma- Increased eye pressure from abnormal blood vessels, which can damage the optic nerve
• Blindness- Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy and its complications can result in permanent vision loss

Prevention Starts with You

The best way to protect your vision is to manage your diabetes and schedule regular eye exams. Here’s how:

• Keep your blood sugar under control
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Visit your eye doctor annually—or more often if recommended

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At VIVID Eyecare, we’re here to help you preserve your sight and stay ahead of diabetic eye disease. Call us or book your appointment online today to learn more about diabetic retinopathy and how we can support your vision health.