Pregnancy and high blood pressure may aggravate diabetic retinopathy. Although gradual blurring of vision may occur if macular edema is present, sight is usually unaffected by background diabetic retinopathy and changes in the eye can go unnoticed unless detected by a medical eye examination. When bleeding occurs in proliferative retinopathy, the sight may become hazy, spotty or even disappear altogether. While there is no pain, this severe form of diabetic retinopathy requires immediate medical attention. A comprehensive medical eye examination and appropriate treatment by Dr. Lockhart is the best protection against eye damage due to diabetic retinopathy.
Serious retinopathy can be present without symptoms and improve with treatment.
Therefore, people with diabetes should be aware of the risks of developing visual problems and should have their eyes examined regularly. To detect diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Lockhart conducts a painless examination of the inner part of the eye using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. The pupils may need to be dilated with eye drops. If diabetic retinopathy is noted, Dr. Lockhart may obtain color photographs of the retina. Sometimes a specialized technique is used which provides great detail about retinal blood vessels and leakage.