Can Diet Reverse Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye disease that affects the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It's caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Symptoms (often silent until advanced):

• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in vision
• Spots or floaters
• Vision loss

• Duration of diabetes

• Poor blood sugar control

• High blood pressure or cholesterol

• Pregnancy

• Smoking

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Why it matters:

What to Expect from a Diabetic Eye Exam:

A diabetic eye exam is a simple, straightforward process. In many cases, it’s part of your comprehensive eye exam, so you might not even realize you're undergoing a specific screening for diabetes-related complications.

The screening itself is non-invasive. You’ll be given eyedrops to dilate your pupils, which will temporarily blur your vision. Once your eyes are fully dilated, we’ll take detailed images of the backs of your eyes. This allows Dr. Barnes to assess the internal structures—especially the retina—for any signs of abnormalities. You’ll notice a brief flash with each image, but the process is completely painless.

These images help Dr. Barnes determine whether you have diabetic retinopathy. If any signs are detected, she will discuss the best course of action to manage the condition. This may include improved diabetes control, medication, or more advanced treatments to help preserve your vision. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.