What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that is essential for clear vision. In diabetic retinopathy, high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak or become blocked. This can lead to vision problems such as blurry vision, floaters, and increased sensitivity to light.
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and affects about one-third of people living with the condition. As a progressive disease, it can eventually lead to vision loss if not managed. Regular eye exams and controlling blood sugar are key to preventing further damage.
How Diabetic Retinopathy impacts vision
Normal eyes have clear, unobstructed central and peripheral vision. WIth damaged retinas, as in diabetic retinopathy, vision is blocked by dark spots, floaters or areas of vision loss.
Managing Retinopathy with the right tinted lenses
Gray
When vision gets patchy or blurry, gray lenses are perfect for calming things down without changing the scene. They reduce brightness and glare evenly, preserving natural color perception, so what you see still feels true, just easier to handle. For people with diabetic retinopathy, gray is often the go-to for everyday comfort.
Purple
Purple lenses (often in violet or plum hues) might sound surprising, but they serve a real function—filtering out specific high-energy wavelengths while gently enhancing contrast. For diabetic eyes struggling with fluctuating sharpness or detail loss, purple tints can help bring edges back into focus without overwhelming the senses.
Red
When light is a full-blown trigger, causing strain, pain, or visual static, red tints offer serious relief. They block out the most intense parts of the light spectrum, helping your brain process what your eyes can still detect with less interference. For advanced cases or high-sensitivity days, red tints create a space for your vision to rest and reset.
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