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Diabetic Retinopathy may have
no symptoms in its earliest, treatable stages. By the time
people notice a problem with their vision, retinal disease
may be advanced and difficult to treat. This is why periodic
screening examinations by our ophthalmologist are very
important. Diabetic patients should have such examinations
even if their vision is completely normal.
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When
central retinal swelling (edema)
develops, central vision becomes blurred. Activities like
reading and
driving become difficult.
Changing glasses will not improve the blurriness. When a
hemorrhage (bleeding) occurs in the eye, spots or streaks of
blood will be seen floating in your vision.
If bleeding is more severe, or if it continues, a dense fog
will blur vision. Occasionally, the blood will be so thick
that a person will be able to see only light and dark.
Often, blood will dissolve slowly over a period of weeks or
months, and vision may improve.
Sometimes, however, blood in the vitreous jelly will not
clear without surgery. |
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The only way to
find out if you have Diabetic
Retinopathy is to have an eye examination. An
examination to detect diabetic retinopathy will include
drops to dilate the pupil. Your doctor can then look through
the pupil with a bright light and a special magnifying lens
to see the retina and any early signs of diabetic
retinopathy.
As people can
develop diabetic retinopathy at any time, periodic eye
examinations are important. |
