Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
Diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, it can affect blood vessels throughout the body.
The eyes are particularly vulnerable because the retina contains many small blood vessels.
One concern is that retinal changes may develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Even if your vision appears normal, regular eye examinations are important for monitoring the condition of your eyes.
Today, we will discuss diabetic retinopathy, one of the major complications associated with diabetes.
Left: OCT image of diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
Right: OCT image of a normal retina
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that develops when persistently elevated blood glucose levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina.
As these vessels weaken, bleeding or swelling may occur. If the condition progresses, it can affect vision.
Because diabetic retinopathy often causes few or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, people diagnosed with diabetes may benefit from regular examinations at an eye clinic in Haengsin-dong, even when their vision seems unchanged.
An increasing number of patients are undergoing preventive eye examinations after being diagnosed with diabetes.
✔ What Should You Monitor If You Have Diabetes?
| Item | Details |
| Blood glucose control | Consistent management of blood glucose levels is important. |
| Eye examinations | Regular examinations are recommended even when no symptoms are present. |
| Vision changes | Seek medical attention if you notice a sudden change in vision. |
| Lifestyle habits | Managing your diet and maintaining regular physical activity may be helpful. |
What Symptoms Can Occur?
Diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
As the condition progresses, vision may become blurred, or straight lines and objects may appear distorted. This symptom is known as metamorphopsia.
Some patients may also experience floaters, which appear as black dots moving across the field of vision, or increased sensitivity to light.
If these changes occur, it is important to identify the exact cause rather than assuming they are due to eye fatigue.
At an eye clinic in Haengsin-dong, the necessary examinations can be selected after evaluating the patient’s symptoms and overall eye condition.
What Are the Types of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is broadly classified into nonproliferative and proliferative types.
Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy is generally considered an earlier stage. As the retinal blood vessels weaken, bleeding and swelling may develop.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy occurs when new blood vessels grow in areas where the retina is not receiving enough oxygen. These abnormal vessels are fragile and may bleed easily, so careful monitoring is required.
The risk of vision loss may increase as the condition progresses, making regular follow-up examinations important.
✔ Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
| Type | Characteristics |
| Nonproliferative | Changes in retinal blood vessels, bleeding, and swelling may occur. |
| Proliferative | Abnormal new blood vessels develop, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. |
How Are Examinations and Treatment Performed?
Several types of examinations may be used to assess the retina accurately.
Fundus photography provides images of the inside of the eye, while optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is used to examine the macula and retinal layers.
When necessary, fluorescein angiography may also be performed to identify abnormalities in the retinal blood vessels.
Depending on the examination results, treatment options may include intravitreal injections, panretinal photocoagulation, or vitrectomy. The appropriate treatment depends on the stage of the condition and the individual patient’s eye health.
When choosing an eye clinic in Haengsin-dong, it is advisable to check whether the clinic provides comprehensive retinal examinations and can establish an appropriate treatment plan based on the findings.
Diabetic retinopathy may go undetected because it often causes few symptoms in its early stages.
Regular eye examinations can help identify retinal changes early and support timely treatment planning.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or notice blurred vision, floaters, or distorted vision, consider consulting an ophthalmologist at an eye clinic in Haengsin-dong rather than delaying an examination.
Eye health should be monitored consistently, beginning before noticeable discomfort or visual symptoms develop.
When selecting an eye clinic in Haengsin-dong, consider not only whether retinal examinations are available but also whether the clinic can provide detailed testing and ongoing follow-up care.
Thank you.
