The earliest phase of Diabetic Retinopathy is called Background Diabetic Retinopathy. With Type I, or Juvenile Diabetes, Background Diabetic Retinopathy does not usually appear until 3-5 years after the initial diagnosis of the disease. With Type II, or Adult Onset Diabetes, background Diabetic Retinopathy may actually be observed at the time of the disease. It is critically important for each and every patient with Diabetes to have routine eye exams in order to prevent progression and vision loss.
Background Diabetic Retinopathy is characterized by the presence of “dot” and “blotch” hemorrhages and “microanuerysms” in the small blood vessels of the Retina. In many cases, Background Diabetic Retinopathy can occur without causing any disturbance of your vision. In general, Background Diabetic Retinopathy will not require treatment unless it progresses to a phase called Pre-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, which indicates that your vision may be at risk.
Based on the careful examination of Retina, patients with Background Diabetic Retinopathy will be given specific recommendations about how often they will need to be reexamined.
