If you have diabetes, there is a chance that you may suffer from diabetic retinopathy. That’s why it’s essential to maintain routine eye exams to diagnose the condition early on. Our team at Arena Eye Care Optometry in Sacramento provides the tests and eye care our patients need to manage their diabetic retinopathy. Here are some common questions patients have about diabetic retinopathy and how we can help.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

This eye condition occurs when high blood sugar damages your retinal blood vessels. Since your retina is responsible for detecting light and sending that information to your brain via your optic nerve, you may suffer sight loss if anything along that pathway is damaged.

What are the warning signs of diabetic retinopathy?

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy exhibits little or no signs at the early stages. However, as the eye condition progresses, you may start experiencing symptoms like:

• Vision loss
• Blurred vision
• Floaters (you see spots/dark strings floating)
• Impaired color vision
• Dark regions in your visions

Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy?

If you live with diabetes (whether type 1 or 2), you are at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy. High blood pressure, smoking, pregnancy, and high cholesterol will also increase the chances of diabetic retinopathy occurring.

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? 

Our optometrists, Dr. Krister L. Holmberg and Dr. Shephali Patel, carry out a thorough eye exam to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. Our optometrists place eye drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils, providing a better view of the inside of the eye. Our eye doctors will check for abnormal blood vessels, blood in the retina, bleeding in the vitreous, abnormalities in the optic nerve, and other issues that are clear indicators of diabetic retinopathy. We also offer an advanced eye screening when you come for your annual comprehensive eye exam that allows for an even more detailed evaluation.

How is diabetic retinopathy managed or treated? 

Dr. Holmberg and Dr. Patel can identify retinopathy early on and develop a management plan to slow its progression. Early on, this includes vitamins designed to fortify the blood vessels, which are supplemental to the medical treatment provided by your PCP or endocrinologist. We communicate with your PCP or endocrinologist throughout the process. Our feedback helps them know how you are affected by your disease. If necessary, we consult with local retina specialists. They are ophthalmologists who specialize in retina disease and are able to perform surgical procedures to stop the growth of new blood vessels, decrease fluid buildup, or relieve other symptoms.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam in Sacramento, CA Today

If you have diabetes, there’s no certainty that you will suffer from diabetic retinopathy. However, being active in managing your diabetes will go a long way in helping you avoid the condition. Our team is here to ensure diabetic retinopathy is caught early on to prevent severe symptoms from occurring. Contact us at Arena Eye Care Optometry today to schedule your next eye exam or to learn more about how we can help you.