According to recent data from Statista, approximately 16.4% of the North American and Caribbean region has diabetes. It complicates blood sugar regulation, resulting in:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
Diabetes is particularly prevalent among seniors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies. The NIDDK states that over 25% of Americans aged 65 and older are affected by the condition. They’re also at an increased risk of complications.
Diabetes and vision loss are closely connected. Improper sugar levels can lead to various conditions that affect the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy.
There are four major diabetic retinopathy stages that worsen as they progress. Managing the disease is possible if you know what to look for.
Senior living in Asheboro, NC, offers a quaint country atmosphere and a newly renovated downtown bustling with shops and history. Preventing diabetic retinopathy ensures you get to see it all.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by high blood sugar. The high sugar levels block the tiny blood vessels in the eye.
It can’t be diagnosed by symptoms alone because there typically aren’t any in the early stages. The only way to get a diagnosis is with screening tests, such as:
- Retinal imaging
- Dilated eye exams
- Fluorescein angiography
Who’s At Risk?
Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. Other risk factors include obesity and smoking.
Diabetic retinopathy is more likely to develop the longer diabetes is present. Many residents of senior living communities in Asheboro may arrive suffering from it.
It’s a condition that worsens with time. The worse it gets, the harder it is to reverse. This makes checking for it an essential part of senior eye care.
Diabetic Retinopathy Stages
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other vision conditions, such as:
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Retinal detachment
- Neovascular glaucoma
Understanding the four major diabetic retinopathy stages enables early monitoring and intervention. Steps can be taken before the condition progresses or causes other issues.
Age increases the likelihood of it progressing to more severe stages. That’s why it’s essential for maintaining both healthy aging and eye health.
Stage 1: Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy
In the first stage, small, balloon-like swellings begin to appear in the retina of the eye. These are known as microaneurysms.
There aren’t any symptoms at this stage, and treatment isn’t required. It’s also important to get screenings every six months. Identifying the condition early and tracking its progress helps keep it from progressing to the later, more serious stages.
Stage 2: Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy
The damage to the retina increases in the second stage. Blood and fluid begin to leak.
This is when symptoms may first start to appear. Patients may notice:
- Dark spots or patches
- Floating spots
- Streaks
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision
You may be referred to an optometrist or endocrinologist if needed. You should also keep up with your diabetic retinal screenings.
Stage 3: Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
Severe damage begins to occur in the retina at this stage. The blood and fluid leakage gets so severe that it causes blockages.
This causes vision loss that’s even more severe.
You will need treatment and monitoring every three to four months at this point. You should start working with a retinal specialist. You should also be monitored every three to four months.
Stage 4: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Stage four is the most advanced of all the retinal damage stages. The eye’s existing blood vessels are significantly damaged. New ones grow to fix the problem, but they come in abnormally. This can cause vision loss or even blindness.
Serious treatment is necessary at this stage to remove scar tissue and abnormal vessels.
Treatment Options
Early diabetic retinopathy stages may not require treatment. They may not even present symptoms. You may be able to do everything you always did at home or in assisted living in Asheboro, NC.
Later stages require treatment. The most common options include surgery, laser therapy, and injections.
Eye Injections
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications work to help treat diabetic retinopathy. They block proteins that cause abnormal blood growth in the eye.
A retina specialist administers these injections. The procedure also includes an anesthetic, so most patients feel minimal discomfort.
Laser Treatments
Laser photocoagulation creates a small area of scar tissue and seals off the problematic tissue in the eye.
It can repair damaged tissues and prevent the growth of new, problematic blood vessels. It also reduces the risk of swelling.
Surgery
The surgery that addresses severe diabetic retinopathy is called vitrectomy. It fixes the problem by removing the vitreous gel from the eye.
Surgery is more of a last resort when compared to other treatment options. It treats symptoms in the most severe stages of diabetic retinopathy. It may also be used when injections or lasers haven’t worked.
Diabetic Vision Support
Diabetic vision support is crucial for preventing the progression of eye issues, such as diabetic retinopathy. Start as soon as you receive your diagnosis. From there, follow the medication and appointment schedule recommended by your doctor.
The American Academy of Optometry estimates that nearly 60% of Americans with diabetes skip their annual eye exams. Get an eye exam at least once a year, ensuring it includes a diabetic screening.
Controlling blood sugar slows diabetic retinopathy progression. Doctors should educate seniors on what they can do and what they should eat to manage their condition.
Assisted living in Asheboro, NC, makes it easier. They’ll handle meals for you.
It is also important to adjust your environment to accommodate any vision changes. Make it easy to get around and find what you need. Memory care in Asheboro, NC, can help when cognitive decline begins to compound vision issues.
Find Support From a Senior Living Community Today
The four diabetic retinopathy stages progress as the eye condition gets worse. The sooner you find and treat it, the less likely you’ll have long-lasting complications.
Terrabella Asheboro was awarded the title of Best Assisted Living Community by U.S. News and World Report in 2022-2023. We also provide a top-quality Shine© Memory Care program.
Our community thrives on a come-as-you-are mentality. We let residents enjoy the local natural and cultural resources while also providing the support they need. Contact us to schedule a tour today.
