Recognizing the Warning Signs of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes can gradually damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease that requires prompt attention. Recognizing possible warning signs and maintaining regular diabetic eye exams can help protect your vision.

What Is Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy?

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, often called PDR, develops when damaged retinal blood vessels can no longer deliver enough oxygen. In response, the eye begins growing new blood vessels on the retina or into the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. These abnormal vessels are fragile and can easily leak blood. Scar tissue may also form and pull on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

Diabetic retinopathy may progress without noticeable symptoms, which is why routine retinal examinations are essential. When proliferative diabetic retinopathy begins affecting vision, symptoms may include:

•          A sudden increase in floaters or dark specks

•          Cobweb-like shapes moving across your vision

•          Blurred, distorted, or fluctuating vision

•          Dark or empty areas within your visual field

•          Difficulty seeing clearly at night

•          Reduced peripheral or central vision

•          Sudden partial or complete vision loss

New floaters, a shadow over your vision, or sudden vision loss should be treated as urgent concerns. These symptoms may indicate bleeding inside the eye or a retinal detachment.

Why Vision Changes Can Appear Suddenly

A person with proliferative diabetic retinopathy may have stable vision until an abnormal blood vessel begins bleeding into the vitreous. A small hemorrhage may produce a few dark spots, while heavier bleeding can significantly block vision.

The blood may clear over time, but the underlying condition remains. Waiting for vision to improve without receiving an eye examination may allow further bleeding or retinal damage to occur.

Who Is at Greater Risk?

The likelihood of developing advanced diabetic retinopathy increases with the length of time a person has diabetes. Poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pregnancy, kidney disease, and tobacco use may further increase the risk.

Following your physician’s recommendations for managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can support both your overall health and your retinal health. However, good diabetes management does not replace regular diabetic eye exams.

Detecting Retinal Changes Before Vision Is Lost

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam allows an eye doctor to examine the retina for leaking blood vessels, abnormal vessel growth, swelling, bleeding, and other signs of diabetic eye disease. Retinal imaging and pupil dilation may also be used to document changes and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Early detection is especially important because treatment may help slow disease progression and reduce the risk of severe vision loss. Our eye doctor can also determine how frequently your eyes should be monitored based on your findings and diabetes history.

Schedule a diabetic eye exam with RCP Eyecare to protect your vision through timely retinal care. Contact any of our seven locations in San Antonio or Selma, Texas. Visit our website to book an appointment or call our office in Quarry Village (210) 988-6897, Northwoods (210) 545-3183, Shops at Westpointe (210) 866-7555, La Cantera (210) 641-2405, Bandera Pointe (726) 208-6454, Ingram Festival (210) 520-0335, or The Forum (210) 659-1479.