Background Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Medical conditions. People with other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are at greater risk.

Background Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Pregnancy. Pregnant women face a higher risk for developing diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. If a woman develops gestational diabetes, she has a higher risk of developing diabetes as she ages.

 

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

Comprehensive eye exam
Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with emphasis on evaluating the retina and macula, may include:

Patient history to determine vision difficulties, presence of diabetes, and other general health concerns that may be affecting vision
Visual acuity measurements to determine how much central vision has been affected
Refraction to determine if a new eyeglass prescription is needed
Evaluation of the ocular structures, including the evaluation of the retina through a dilated pupil
Measurement of the pressure within the eye

Supplemental testing may include:

Retinal photography or tomography to document current status of the retina
Fluorescein angiography to evaluate abnormal blood vessel growth