Early Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy: What to Look for

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects vision. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. Early detection is essential for preventing vision loss. Knowing the signs helps you act fast if symptoms appear.
 

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is often one of the first signs of diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the eye’s lens, making things look out of focus. Sometimes, the blurriness may come and go. If you notice frequent blurring, checking your eyes is a good idea.
 

Floaters or Dark Spots

Floaters look like tiny black spots or strings that float across your vision. They happen when blood vessels in the retina leak or swell. If you start seeing floaters or dark spots, it is a signal something might be wrong. Floaters are common, but sudden increases could be a sign of retinopathy.
 

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Diabetic retinopathy can make it harder to see in low light. Many people with early retinopathy struggle with night vision, especially while driving. It may be time for an eye exam if you notice extra difficulty seeing at night. This symptom often gets worse as the condition progresses.
 

Fading or Distorted Vision

Diabetic retinopathy can also cause images to appear faded or distorted. You might notice that colors look washed out or lines appear wavy. These vision changes can make it hard to focus on detailed tasks. Distorted vision may be a sign of swelling or bleeding in the retina.
 

Trouble Reading or Recognizing Faces

Another early sign of diabetic retinopathy is difficulty reading or seeing faces clearly. Fine details, like small prints or facial expressions, may start to blur. This can be frustrating, especially if reading is a big part of your daily life. It is often a sign that the retina needs a checkup.
 

Sudden Vision Loss

Sudden vision loss is a more serious symptom of diabetic retinopathy. This can happen if a retina blood vessel bursts or scar tissue forms. Vision loss may affect one or both eyes and can happen suddenly. If you experience this, it is critical to seek medical help immediately.
 

Eye Pain or Pressure

Eye pain is not a common early symptom but can sometimes occur. Pain or pressure in the eyes could mean increased fluid or blood in the eye. While it is rare, eye pain should never be ignored. Talk to an eye specialist if you feel unusual pressure or discomfort.
 

Regular Eye Exams Are Key

Diabetic retinopathy often starts without noticeable symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for catching signs before vision problems begin. People with diabetes should get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. An eye exam can detect early changes in the retina.
 

Controlling Blood Sugar to Protect Vision

Keeping blood sugar levels stable is vital for eye health. High blood sugar is the leading cause of diabetic retinopathy. Lowering blood sugar levels can slow the progression of retinopathy.
 

Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and cholesterol can also contribute to diabetic retinopathy. Blood vessels are more likely to get damaged when these levels are high. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can protect your eyes. Talk to your doctor about a plan to keep these levels in check.
 

Do Not Ignore Early Warning Signs

The early signs of diabetic retinopathy can be subtle. It is easy to ignore occasional blurry vision or floaters. However, these symptoms can signal changes in the retina. Addressing them early can help prevent severe vision loss.
 

For more on diabetic retinopathy, visit Brandon Eyes. Our offices are in Middleton and Madison, Wisconsin. Call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.

 

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611