Diabetic retinopathy is a form of diabetes impediment that impacts a person’s eyes. The condition occurs when the retina’s blood vessels suffer damage, thus leading to low vision and eventual blindness. If you are experiencing blurry vision or seeing dark spots, it is time to visit your trusted Bronx diabetic retinopathy clinic for a consultation.

Types of diabetic retinopathy

There are two distinct forms of diabetic retinopathy; nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and advanced diabetic retinopathy.

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)

NPDR makes the walls of the blood vessels in the retina weak, and sometimes they leak blood into the retina. As more blood vessels fail to function normally due to blockage, NPDR advances from mild to severe. In severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the middle part of the retina, thus reducing vision significantly, and permanent vision loss may happen.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

This form of diabetic retinopathy is extreme, and it occurs when the injured blood vessels block entirely, leading to the growth of new ones, which are usually abnormal. Scar tissue can detach the retina from the back of the eye. The new blood vessels in the retina are prone to damage and can leak blood into the vitreous, and pressure can accumulate in the eyeball. If this pressure does not relent, it can damage the optic nerve and lead to glaucoma.

Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy

People who have had chronic diabetes, have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and chain smokers are prone to contracting diabetic retinopathy. Medical interventions for this condition are as follows:

Control your diabetes

The first step in managing diabetic retinopathy is getting a grip on diabetes by eating healthy foods as instructed by a dietician. Maintaining a daily exercise regimen is essential in keeping off excess calories and helping the body regulate blood sugars more effectively. Injecting insulin or taking tablets is also crucial, so diabetes remains under control.

Quit smoking

Consuming too much tobacco is detrimental to your health and can trigger many problems or make pre-existing conditions challenging to manage. If you have tried quitting in the past and then succumbed to habitual smoking again, find an accountability coach to assist you with the journey.

Keep your blood pressure normal

Data by the American Heart Association surmises that the prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension) among the black community is the highest globally. Research shows that hypertension develops early in life and is usually more severe compared to the occurrence among whites. Eating healthy foods and exercising can keep blood pressure regular.

Monitor your vision

Diabetic retinopathy is a significant threat to vision, and if not treated effectively, the patient could lose sight. Therefore, you need to monitor your site and see an optician when blurry or hazy vision changes.

Any patient with type 1 or 2 diabetes is susceptible to diabetic retinopathy if their blood sugars are not adequately regulated. Managing diabetic retinopathy requires paying attention to the above guidelines so the problem does not escalate to lost vision.