Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness the United States. The elevated blood sugar seen with diabetes can cause vision loss by damaging small blood vessels in the retina (back part of the eye). Diabetes can also affect vision by development of cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema and retinal detachment.
Blurred vision and slow vision loss over time
Floaters
Shadows or missing areas of vision
Trouble seeing at night
Many patients with early diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms and hence regular eye exams should be performed.
A complete ophthalmic examination to examine the retina is necessary as well as photographs, fluorescein angiography and OCT may be needed for diagnosis. Please make an appointment with one of our Shiley Retina Specialists for further evaluation.
