Have you noticed blurry vision, dark spots, or sudden changes in your eyesight? These may be signs of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, serious complications of diabetes that affect the retina and your vision. At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson provides compassionate, expert care to help protect and preserve your sight.
What Are Diabetic Retinopathy
& Macular Edema?
Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema are common yet serious eye conditions that can develop in people living with diabetes. Both conditions affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that is essential for clear vision. Without timely care, these conditions can lead to progressive vision loss or even blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when chronically high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these vessels may leak fluid or blood, or abnormal new vessels may form, which can disrupt normal vision. The condition progresses through various stages, from mild non-proliferative retinopathy to advanced proliferative retinopathy, where scarring and bleeding can lead to retinal detachment.
Macular Edema
Macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. When damaged vessels leak fluid into the macula, it swells and thickens, causing blurred or distorted vision. This can make daily activities like reading, recognizing faces, or driving increasingly difficult. Left untreated, the condition can also lead to permanent vision loss.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots, floaters, or strings drifting in your vision
- Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Areas of missing or distorted vision
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Trouble seeing clearly at night or in dim light
- Eye pain or pressure (in advanced stages)
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema?
The retina relies on a network of delicate blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients that maintain clear vision. In people with diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage these vessels, weakening their walls and causing them to leak or close off. Consequently, the retina becomes deprived of oxygen, and abnormal new blood vessels may begin to grow, leading to swelling, bleeding, and scarring that threaten your sight.
Several factors can increase the risk or speed of progression, including:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
- Long-term duration of diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Kidney disease or other vascular complications
- Pregnancy (which can worsen diabetic eye changes)
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Lack of regular comprehensive eye exams
When to Seek Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema?
You should seek care as soon as you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, dark spots, or difficulty seeing at night. Even if your vision seems normal, people with diabetes should have yearly eye exams, as early stages of the disease may be asymptomatic. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Johnson at New York Retina Center can help prevent further damage, protect your eyesight, and significantly improve long-term visual outcomes.
How Are Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema Treated?
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema focuses on stopping further damage, reducing retinal swelling, and preserving as much vision as possible. Dr. Johnson carefully evaluates the stage of disease and tailors treatment using the most advanced medical and surgical techniques. Your treatment plan may include anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroid implants, or retinal laser treatments to seal leaking vessels and prevent progression.
In more advanced cases, retinal surgery, such as pars plana vitrectomy, may be required to remove blood or scar tissue from the retina and restore clarity. Managing diabetes through healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control is equally vital. Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive treatments to stabilize vision and prevent future complications.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is dedicated to protecting your vision with compassionate vision care. Led by Dr. Brandon Johnson, our board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina surgeon, our team provides expert diagnosis and treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. Dr. Johnson’s advanced training at Wills Eye Institute and Emory University ensures you receive the highest standard of retinal care. If you’re experiencing vision changes or managing diabetes, schedule your consultation in Manhattan today to safeguard your eyesight.
