What You Should Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

Posted on 11/01/22 by Stephanie in Peter B. Lewis Aquatic Center

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication resulting from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes that affects the eyes, causing vision problems. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this complication.

Warning signs of diabetic retinopathy can include:

• Blurry vision
• Inability to see colors
• Fluctuations in vision
• Dark strings and colorless spots floating in your visual field “floaters”
• Deteriorating night vision
• Dark, shadowy areas in your visual field
• Double vision
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Involuntary eye movement
• Difficulty with near-vision tasks such as reading
• Sudden vision loss

Image Source: https://discoveryeye.org/

These warning signs are due to small scotomas (a blind spots or partial losses of vision in what is otherwise a perfectly normal visual field) in the central and peripheral visual fields. Caused by a blood vessel burst/leak on the retina, these scotomas result in progressive acuity loss. Additional symptoms can also include poor contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity and fluctuating vision.

What Can Be Done About Diabetic Retinopathy?

Working with an Endocrinologist is key to optimal management of your diabetes, while regular visits with your eye doctor are important for monitoring your eye health and determining next steps.

Image Source: https://neoretina.com/blog/diabetic-retinopathy-can-it-be-reversed/

When it comes to completing daily living tasks, you should address these concerns with an Occupational Therapist. Whether you struggle with shopping for groceries, managing medications, preparing meals, managing your finances, or something else, your OT can help you learn how to adapt your environment and routine, so that you can function more easily and safely in your everyday life.

If you are unsure which treatment strategies are best for you or need help getting started, working with an occupational therapist is an excellent place to start. For more information about occupational therapy or to learn more about any of our exercise programs, contact us online or call 216-595-7345.

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Resources:

https://www.eastmichiganeyecenter.com/2019/12/15/11-warning-signs-that-you-may-have-diabetic-retinopathy/

https://neoretina.com/blog/diabetic-retinopathy-can-it-be-reversed/

https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/consumers/Adults/LowVision/Low%20Vision%20Tip%20Sheet.ashx