Diabetic retinopathy is a condition typically diagnosed during a diabetic eye exam with your eye doctor. The condition is essentially the result of complications from diabetes, which can result in damage to blood vessels in the retina, causing symptoms such as blurred vision and floaters in the vision. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can result in vision loss. With diabetes care and maintenance with your eye doctor in Vaughan, these effects can be prolonged. As the condition worsens, you may notice some of the following signs. When you do, seek emergency eye care with Dr. Brian Abrams, your trusted eye doctor in Vaughan. Our team is experienced with individuals of all ages and patients with diabetes. We can help you navigate the condition confidently.
Here are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to diabetic eye care
Sudden Changes in Vision
One of the most serious warning signs is a sudden change in vision. Any time you experience a sudden vision change, it’s best to visit your eye doctor in Vaughan. This may include rapid blurring, difficulty focusing, or the appearance of dark spots. While mild fluctuations in vision can occur with blood sugar changes, abrupt or severe changes require immediate attention. Early intervention can prevent further complications and protect long-term vision.
Increase in Floaters or Dark Spots
Floaters are small shapes that drift across your field of vision. While occasional floaters can be harmless, a sudden increase may signal bleeding inside the eye. This is particularly concerning and problematic for individuals with diabetic retinopathy. A new cluster of floaters or dark patches in your sight should be evaluated right away. In some cases, emergency eye care is necessary to assess retinal bleeding or detachment. If you have a sudden increase in floaters, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Brian Abrams for emergency care and a diabetic eye exam.
Flashes of Light
Seeing flashes of light can indicate traction on the retina or possible retinal detachment. For someone living with diabetic retinopathy, this is not something to dismiss.
Flashes, especially when combined with floaters or shadowed vision, require urgent assessment. Seeking emergency eye care as soon as possible can help prevent permanent vision damage.
Dark or Empty Areas in Your Vision
If you begin noticing shadowed areas or blind spots across parts of your vision, this may signal advances in diabetic retinopathy. These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Regular monitoring through a diabetic eye exam helps detect early damage before it progresses to this stage. However, if these symptoms appear between appointments, do not wait for your next scheduled visit.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling with night vision or increased glare sensitivity may also be associated with worsening diabetic retinopathy. While subtle at first, changes in low-light vision can affect driving and daily safety.
Consistent care with your eye doctor in Vaughan ensures these changes are tracked and managed appropriately.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Diabetic retinopathy does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That is why routine diabetic eye exam appointments are essential. These exams allow your doctor to detect changes in the retina before vision is affected.
Get Reliable and Knowledgeable Eye Care with Dr. Brian Abrams
If your symptoms escalate or you notice any of the red flags above, get emergency eye care with Dr. Brian Abrams, a trusted eye doctor near you in Vaughan. Timely treatment can reduce the risk of permanent vision loss and help preserve your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a diabetic eye exam.
