An Introduction to Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy

How might diabetic retinopathy affect everyday activities?

Contributing Editor: Debbie Sokol-McKay, OTR/L, CVRT, CDE, CLVT, vision rehabilitation therapist, diabetes educator, low vision therapist, and licensed occupational therapist

What was the first thing you thought about when you were diagnosed with diabetes? You probably experienced a wide-ranging mix of emotions, and wondered how this news would affect the rest of your life. Your family might have had similar feelings. These are familiar reactions that millions of people around the world have experienced. Diabetes is a complex condition that warrants serious attention. Talk about your concerns and feelings with your doctor, your family and friends — and then, together, learn the facts.

While there is no cure for diabetes, its potential day-to-day impact can be dramatically reduced by learning how to manage your medical situation, understanding what will and will not improve your condition, and doing as much as you can to help yourself. Self-help is key!

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood cells in the retina. It can cause "blind spots," blurring, and side (peripheral) vision loss. Vision may change from day to day, or even from morning to evening. This "changeable vision" may interfere with many, if not most, everyday activities.

Here is what a person with normal vision sees:

Here is what a person with diabetic retinopathy sees: