5 Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy You Shouldn’t IgnoreBrowse Eyewear

Living with diabetes means being mindful of how the condition can affect more than just your blood sugar levels. One of the most serious complications is diabetic retinopathy. The good news is that when caught early, diabetic retinopathy can often be managed effectively.
 

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, these vessels may swell, leak, or close off completely, leading to vision problems. In advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels can grow, increasing the risk of bleeding, scarring, and retinal detachment. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent vision loss, making regular eye exams crucial for people with diabetes. Here are five early warning signs you should never ignore.
 

1. Blurred or Distorted Vision

If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or objects appear wavy, it could be a sign of fluid leaking into the retina. While many factors can cause blurred vision, people with diabetes should take this symptom seriously.
 

2. Dark Spots or Floaters

Seeing specks, cobwebs, or dark spots floating across your vision may signal bleeding from damaged blood vessels in the retina. This symptom should never be dismissed as “normal” floaters - it may indicate early stages of diabetic retinopathy.
 

3. Fluctuating Vision

If your vision clarity seems to change throughout the day, it could be due to unstable blood sugar affecting the lens inside your eye. Over time, this fluctuation can point to underlying damage in the retina.
 

4. Trouble Seeing at Night

Difficulty adjusting to low-light settings or driving at night can be one of the first signs of retinal damage. Since diabetic retinopathy often impacts peripheral and night vision first, this is an important warning sign.
 

5. Vision Loss in One or Both Eyes

Even partial or temporary loss of vision should be treated as a red flag. This can occur when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak, blocking light from reaching the retina. Immediate attention is needed to prevent permanent damage.
 

Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Are Crucial

Diabetic retinopathy can begin developing without noticeable symptoms. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams are essential - even if your vision seems fine. Through advanced imaging and retinal evaluations, your optometrist can detect the earliest changes and provide treatment options to protect your sight. Some patients may even need more frequent eye exams, especially if they have poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or have been living with diabetes for many years.
 

Keep Your Eyes Healthy at Canterbury Vision

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but manageable condition if caught early. By knowing the warning signs and scheduling routine diabetic eye exams, you can protect your vision and overall eye health.

Schedule your comprehensive diabetic eye exam with Canterbury Vision and safeguard your sight from diabetic retinopathy. Visit our office in West Boylston, Massachusetts, or call (508) 500-1562 to book an appointment today.