How to Manage Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that’s a common complication of diabetes. It develops when elevated blood sugar levels cause harm to the blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye. This condition can lead to vision loss without proper management.

Fortunately, our diabetic eye care experts at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, can inform you about several steps you can take to protect your vision and manage diabetic retinopathy effectively.

Understanding diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through several stages. In the early stages, known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), the blood vessels in your retina may weaken and leak fluid or blood. 

As the condition advances, it can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in which new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of your retina. These vessels can bleed and cause scar tissue, leading to more severe vision problems.

Key steps in managing diabetic retinopathy

Here are five ways you can be proactive about diabetic retinopathy:

Get regular eye exams

Early detection is one of the best ways to manage diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at our office at least once a year. 

These exams allow our eye care professionals to monitor the health of your retina and detect any changes early on. More frequent exams may be necessary if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.

Control your blood sugar

You can prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy by keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range. Our team encourages you to work with your care team to develop a diabetes management plan, which may include medications, insulin therapy, diet, and regular exercise.

Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol

High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Your doctor regularly monitors your levels, and you manage them through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on your overall health and the management of diabetic retinopathy. This includes eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 

It also helps if you stay proactive about getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.

Know your treatment options

If your diabetic retinopathy progresses, our team at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge may recommend specific treatments to slow the progression of your condition and protect your vision.

These can include laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, injections of medications to reduce inflammation and block the growth of new blood vessels, or vitrectomy surgery to remove scar tissue and blood from the eye.

If you have concerns about diabetic retinopathy, book an appointment with us for early detection and treatment to preserve your eyesight. Call or book your visit online now.