Diabetic Retinopathy: What Your Annual Eye Exam Can Detect Early

When you have diabetes, you're probably used to monitoring things like your blood sugar, A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol, but there's another part of your health that deserves just as much attention: your vision.

That's because diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes long before you notice any changes in your sight. In fact, many people with diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms at all during the early stages, which is why annual diabetic eye exams are so important.

If you have diabetes, this month’s blog is for you. Read on as Dr. Nicanor Lacsina and Dr. Yelena Pinkhasova explain what diabetic retinopathy is and what we can detect during your exam at Bainbridge Eye Care in Bronx, New York.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is surprisingly common. Studies estimate that it affects more than three-quarters of people with type 1 diabetes and about one-quarter of people with type 2 diabetes. 

High blood sugar can damage all of your blood vessels, and that includes the ones in your eyes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye) are damaged. Problems arise when these damaged blood vessels can weaken, leak, bleed, or become blocked. 

Why is diabetic retinopathy often called a "silent" disease?

Diabetic retinopathy often develops without obvious warning signs. You may see perfectly well while changes are already occurring inside your eyes. That's why waiting for symptoms isn't a reliable strategy.

By the time vision changes become noticeable, the condition may be more advanced and require more extensive treatment. Later symptoms include floating spots in your vision, blurry vision, and eventually blindness. 

What can your annual eye exam detect?

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam allows Dr. Lacsina and Dr. Pinkhasova to identify changes long before they affect your vision.

1. Leaking blood vessels

During your exam, we may detect small leaks in the tiny blood vessels that nourish your retina. We can also look for signs of swelling and other subtle changes that aren't causing symptoms yet.

2. Retinal swelling (diabetic macular edema)

Diabetes can cause fluid to accumulate in the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision. Known as diabetic macular edema, this condition can lead to blurred vision and even blindness if left untreated. 

Among those with diabetic retinopathy, approximately 25-30% develop diabetic macular edema.

3. Areas of poor blood flow

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, some blood vessels may become blocked, decreasing oxygen delivery to parts of your retina.

Advanced imaging and retinal evaluation at Bainbridge Eye Care can help identify these changes before they cause noticeable vision loss.

4. Abnormal blood vessel growth

In more advanced diabetic retinopathy, your eye may respond to poor circulation by creating new blood vessels. 

This occurrence is called neovascularization, and while it may sound like a good thing to have more blood flow to your retina, the problem is that these new blood vessels are fragile and prone to hemorrhage, which can potentially lead to serious vision complications.

During your annual eye exams, we monitor for these changes.

5. Other diabetes-related eye conditions

Your diabetic eye exam doesn't just screen for retinopathy. We also evaluate for other conditions that occur more commonly in people with diabetes, including:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye disease
• Changes in prescription

These conditions are more prevalent in people with diabetes. In fact, people with diabetes are 48% more likely to develop glaucoma than people without diabetes. Our team can diagnose and treat all of these diabetes-related conditions, not just diabetic retinopathy. 

Who needs annual diabetic eye exams?

The answer is simple: anyone with diabetes.

Whether you have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes managed with medication, or diabetes managed through lifestyle changes, you should continue to receive regular diabetic eye exams as recommended by Dr. Lacsina and Dr. Pinkhasova.

What happens during a diabetic eye exam?

During your visit, our team evaluates your vision and examines the health of your retina and other eye structures. Your eyes may be dilated so we can get a better view of the retina and look for signs of diabetic damage. In some cases, we may also use advanced retinal imaging to document and monitor changes over time.

Protect your sight before symptoms appear

Even if your eyesight seems perfectly normal, annual diabetic eye exams can help identify problems early, when treatment is often most effective.

If you have diabetes, don't wait for blurry vision or other symptoms to appear. Schedule your annual diabetic eye exam at Bainbridge Eye Care today. You can also reach us at 718-306-9127.