Have Diabetic Retinopathy? How You Can Prevent Progression

Diabetic retinopathy is a vision-threatening disease that happens when prolonged high blood sugar levels harm the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Nearly 35% of people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy today.

Untreated, diabetic retinopathy can worsen, progressing to its more severe form that may cause blindness. Early detection and proper management can prevent progression.

At InVision Eye Care, our team uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and monitor diabetic changes before the disease can affect your eyesight. Our team was the first in Monmouth and Ocean County to implement Optos imaging and OCT testing, providing advanced screening to help prevent vision loss.

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy from Getting Worse?

If you have diabetes and already have early-stage (nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or NPDR), you probably don't have significant symptoms. But that doesn't mean you don't need to pay attention to the problem.

The most important step in preventing disease progression is routine eye exams. Our eye doctors can detect tiny changes that could become major problems, allowing you to start preventive measures now.

Without taking any preventive measures, NPDR can turn to the more aggressive, late-stage version of the disease (proliferative diabetic retinopathy or PDR) in which new abnormal blood vessels appear on the retina and cause significant vision loss.

Alongside eye exams, important measures to take are:

• Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range reduces the risk of eye damage. Monitoring your blood sugar daily using a glucose monitor or skin prick tests can help you stay ahead of any changes. Sticking to your medication (if any) and diet and exercise plan is crucial in controlling your blood sugar.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Hypertension and high cholesterol can worsen diabetic retinopathy. For that reason, people with diabetes often need to see the doctor more frequently.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of multiple eye diseases and can speed up the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment for NPDR usually involves lifestyle changes, close monitoring, and tight blood sugar control. If it starts affecting your vision, you may need an office-based treatment like laser therapy to close leaking blood vessels.

If the disease progresses, you could need anti-VEGF injections or a surgery called vitrectomy to preserve vision as much as possible.

Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy Progression in Lakewood, NJ

If you have diabetes, protecting your vision starts with regular eye care. InVision Eye Care in Lakewood, NJ, serves Ocean County, Monmouth County, and New Jersey with expert diabetic retinopathy management. Call us at 732-210-0140 to schedule an evaluation.