How to Identify Diabetic Retinopathy

Most people who have lived with diabetes for 20 years begin to develop diabetic changes in their retinas. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged. The retina is the light sensitive tissue located in the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disorders. It is also a leading cause of blindness of adults in America. Early detection of retinopathy is very important. Here are stages and signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Instructions

• 1

  Be aware that you may not notice changes in your vision at first. As the retinopathy worsens, vision loss may occur.

• 2

  Understand that you will experience small areas of balloon-like swelling in the vessels of the retina.

• 3

  Know that, as the diabetic retinopathy progresses, some of the blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked.

• 4

  Understand that as more blood vessels become blocked, areas of your retinas will be deprived of the necessary blood supply.

• 5

  Be aware that at the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, new abnormal blood vessels will begin to form. These new vessels are very fragile. Because the vessel walls are so fragile, they often leak blood into the gel that fills the inside of the eye. This blood leakage can cause vision loss and blindness.