People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. It’s a common eye condition and a leading cause of blindness.
“Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damaged blood vessels in the retina,” says Dr. Steven Gainey, an ophthalmologist with BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists.
“The risk for diabetic retinopathy increases the longer a person has diabetes. In fact, an estimated 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have a form of diabetic retinopathy, and half aren’t aware of it.”
Symptoms include:
- Spots or dark strings (floaters) in your vision
- Blurred vision
- Impaired color vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or blood sugar levels
- Tobacco use
- Being of African-American, Hispanic, or Native American descent
There are treatments available for diabetic retinopathy, but Gainey recommends an annual eye exam to help prevent the disease.