When Is It Time to See a Diabetic Retinopathy specialist?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects about 1 in 3 people with diabetes, and 1 in 10 may develop a severe form that threatens their vision. According to a report from the NIH, the number of people with DR will rise from 126.6 million in 2010 to 191 million by 2030 worldwide. DR is a common diabetes complication that can cause vision loss if not treated properly. The good news is that people with DR can see a diabetic retinopathy specialist to prevent the condition from worsening.
The American Society of Retina Specialists reports that diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in working-age Americans. DR has two stages: proliferative and nonproliferative. The problem with DR is that it can be hard to notice, as it often causes only mild vision issues or very few symptoms.
So, what's the best option if you suspect you have diabetic retinopathy? The best thing to do is visit an eye doctor. Let’s dive deeper into DR and understand when it's time to see a specialist.
Who’s A Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist?
An eye doctor or ophthalmologist can be the right person you should seek help from when struggling with DR! Diabetic retinopathy specialists focus on the complications diabetes can lead to and often help patients with the right options. A diabetic eye exam doctor will conduct a dilated eye exam to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. Apart from a dilated eye exam, they may also go for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) or may even take fundus photographs for proper diagnosis.
The Right Time To Visit A Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist
Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
Sudden changes in your vision such as blurriness or frequent fluctuations may indicate an underlying condition. Of course, it tells how well you can see. But it could also be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Usually, this happens because blood vessels in the retina get affected by high blood sugar levels. It's important to see a diabetic retinopathy specialist who can check for early signs of DR.
Dark or Empty Spots in Your Vision
Do you see dark or blank spots in your field of vision? Well, it may happen due to bleeding or swelling in the retina. Perhaps you don’t know that these spots may grow over time and may even lead to permanent vision loss.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Diabetic retinopathy makes it hard for you to see in conditions where light isn’t that good. For example, if you struggle to drive at night or notice your night vision worsening, it could be due to DR. An eye specialist can check your retina for early signs and recommend solutions like laser treatment or injections.
Seeing Floaters
Are you seeing small black dots or lines floating in your field of vision? It may be caused by blood leaking into the eye due to diabetic retinopathy. While floaters aren’t always serious, it's crucial to visit a diabetic retinopathy specialist to prevent further damage.
No Symptoms, But Diabetes Diagnosis
Even without noticeable symptoms, if you have diabetes, it’s important to get regular eye exams. Diabetic retinopathy can develop silently, and early detection can help slow or stop the progression of the disease. That’s why you should make regular visits to a specialist a priority. This will help you with managing your eye health and preventing complications.
Visit Eyes on Brickell - Book an appointment today!
Diabetic retinopathy can be a severe concern for your vision, but not in the cases where patients at least try their best to manage it! If you are dealing with DR - you should visit Eyes on Brickell in Miami today. They can help you connect with an experienced diabetic retinopathy specialist for further help. If you want to learn more about them or how they can help - refer to their website to book an appointment!