What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss among adults. This eye condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to irreversible vision loss. Understanding the warning signs and scheduling regular medical eye exams in St. George is so important.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may begin to notice warning signs such as:

•           Blurry or fluctuating vision: Vision may come and go or become distorted due to leaking retinal blood vessels or swelling.

•           Dark or empty areas in your vision: As the retina becomes damaged, you might develop blind spots or “holes” in your field of vision.

•           Floaters or dark spots: These tiny specks or strings may drift across your vision if bleeding occurs inside the eye.

•           Difficulty seeing at night: Low-light vision can worsen as retinal blood vessels deteriorate.

•           Sudden vision loss: In advanced cases, a retinal detachment or significant bleeding can lead to severe, rapid loss of sight.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see an eye doctor in St. George as soon as possible for a comprehensive evaluation.

Early Detection Is Key

Diabetic retinopathy often develops silently before symptoms appear. Regular diabetic eye exams in St. George allow your optometrist to detect changes early, when treatments are most effective. Early management may include monitoring, laser therapy, or injections to prevent further vision loss.

The Importance of Eye Disease Management

At Paradise Canyon Eye Care, our team emphasizes the importance of proactive eye disease management. Depending on the stage of diabetic retinopathy, management may include treatments such as laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling and prevent further damage, or vitrectomy surgery to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye.

Regular eye exams allow your optometrist to track any changes and intervene early before vision loss becomes severe. With consistent care and timely treatment, many patients can successfully manage diabetic retinopathy and maintain healthy vision for years to come.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but manageable condition when detected early. By staying vigilant and scheduling routine eye exams, you can protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.
 

If you have diabetes or notice any changes in your vision, schedule your diabetic eye exam at Paradise Canyon Eye Care. Visit our office in St. George, Utah, or call (435) 291-5093 to book an appointment today.

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