Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels inside your eye, which can lead to blurry, distorted vision and blindness.
- Symptoms: blurry, darkened or cloudy vision; seeing floaters or black lines
- Risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol
- Treatment options: laser photocoagulation to control leaking capillaries and prevent growth of new capillaries, vitrectomy to remove cloudy vitreous and scar tissue, and cryotherapy to shrink capillaries and repair the retina
- Prevention: regular eye exams, diet, medications, regular exercise, blood sugar and blood pressure control, and avoidance of alcohol and cigarettes
Post Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
PVD occurs when liquefaction progresses until the vitreous separates from the retina. The vast majority of PVDs do not cause serious problems, but many people notice annoying floaters and occasional light flashes. There is a small chance that a PVD can cause a retinal tear. Retinal tears can lead to a detached retina if the tear is not treated. There is no way to tell if a PVD caused a retinal tear so anyone experiencing symptoms needs a prompt dilated retinal exam.
- Symptoms: flashes and floaters in which you experience cobwebs or speck-like floaters in the field of vision, they are usually black and float in and out of view.
Risks for Retinal Tears or Detachments
Anyone can have a tear or detachment but higher-risk factors include family history of vitreo-retinal problems, age, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, nearsightedness, previous eye surgery or trauma to the eye.
Causes for Retinal Tears and Detachments
As you age, the vitreous gel in your eye liquefies and shrinks, causing the retina to tear or detach. Certain diseases or trauma to the eye can cause scar tissue to form and pull on the retina. If not treated promptly, retinal problems can lead to permanent vision loss.
Warning Signs that Require an Immediate Exam
- Flashing lights
- New floaters or an increase in floaters
- A shadow in the periphery of your field of vision
- A gray curtain moving across your field of vision