Learn about risk factors, signs and screening

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Health tips: Diabetic retinopathy

Dear Reader,

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, most people don’t experience signs and symptoms, and changes to vision aren’t evident until advanced stages. The best way to detect diabetic retinopathy in its earliest, most treatable stage, is to schedule regular eye exams. As diabetic retinopathy progresses to more-advanced stages, visual symptoms may include:

“Spiders,” “cobwebs” or tiny specks floating in your visual field
Dark streaks or a red film that blocks vision
General vision loss, but in one eye more than the other
Blurred vision that may fluctuate
Poor night vision
Difficulty adjusting from bright light to dim light

Risk factors

The National Eye Institute estimates that more than 2 in 5 Americans with diabetes will experience some form of diabetic retinopathy. You’re at risk, regardless if you have type 1 or type 2. Generally, individuals with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of retinopathy because they tend to become diabetic at a young age.

If you were older than age 30 when you developed diabetes, your risk is lower — although for some, retinopathy can be the first sign of diabetes. Regardless, if you need to take insulin, your risk of retinopathy is increased.

Other risk factors include:

Poorly controlled diabetes
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Obesity
Kidney disease
Pregnancy

Screening and diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can be so subtle that many people are unaware of vision changes. For this reason, regular eye exams are very important.

Individuals with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Dilation greatly enlarges your pupil, which gives your eye specialist a better view of your retina with a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope. People with diabetic retinopathy may need more-frequent eye exams.

In addition, if you have diabetes and become pregnant, you should schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Additional eye exams throughout your pregnancy may be recommended.

See an eye doctor promptly if your vision becomes blurry, spotty or hazy. If diabetic retinopathy is detected, your course of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and whether retinal changes may impair or threaten your vision.

Yours in good health,

Sophie Bakri, M.D.

Medical Editor of Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Vision

Keep your eyes healthy and preserve your vision

Poor vision is not inevitable. Vision may change with age, but the steps you take today can protect your sight and reduce your risk of some eye diseases.

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