Diabetic Retinopathy Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Regular, comprehensive eye exams are one of the most important ways to reduce your risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetic retinopathy. For people living with diabetes in Grand Rapids, MI, partnering with local eye care specialists and health systems can make a major difference in protecting your sight.

Grand Rapids residents can access diabetic eye care through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as many independent optometrists and ophthalmologists throughout Kent County.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by long-term complications of diabetes. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina—the light‑sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that allows you to see.

Over time, this damage can lead to:

  • Leaking or blocked blood vessels
  • Swelling in the central part of the retina (macula)
  • Growth of abnormal new blood vessels
  • Scar tissue and bleeding inside the eye

Without proper management and treatment, diabetic retinopathy can cause serious vision loss and even blindness.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are three main forms of diabetic retinopathy. Understanding each type can help you discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with your Grand Rapids eye doctor.

1. Non‑Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

This is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In NPDR:

  • Small retinal blood vessels weaken and may leak fluid or tiny amounts of blood
  • Fatty deposits (exudates) can form on the retina
  • Some blood vessels may become blocked

At this stage, you may have no symptoms, which is why regular dilated eye exams are critical for people with diabetes in Grand Rapids.

2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision (used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces).

DME occurs when:

  • Fluid leaks from damaged retinal blood vessels
  • The macula becomes thickened and swollen

This can significantly affect central vision and make everyday activities more difficult.

3. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most advanced and serious form of the disease. It occurs when:

  • Normal retinal blood vessels become severely damaged or disappear
  • The retina responds by growing new, fragile blood vessels
  • These abnormal vessels bleed easily, causing retinal hemorrhages and scar tissue

This can lead to:

  • Sudden, severe vision loss
  • Floaters or dark spots in your vision
  • Retinal detachment
  • Permanent blindness if untreated

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone with diabetes—type 1 or type 2—is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

  • People with diabetes are up to 25 times more likely to experience vision loss than people without diabetes.
  • The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk.
  • Poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increase the likelihood and severity of retinopathy.

In West Michigan, where cold winters can limit outdoor activity and affect blood sugar control, it’s especially important for people with diabetes in Grand Rapids and Kent County to stay on top of both diabetes management and routine eye care.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no noticeable symptoms. Vision may seem completely normal, even while damage is occurring.

As the disease progresses, you may notice:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Dark or empty areas in your field of vision
  • Eye strain or frequent headaches
  • Colors appearing faded or washed out
  • Sudden loss of vision (a medical emergency)

If you live in Grand Rapids and experience any sudden changes in vision, contact an eye specialist or visit an urgent care or emergency department at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health right away.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential in Grand Rapids

Unfortunately, only about half of people with diabetes get regular eye exams, and many have never had a proper diabetic eye screening.

For residents of Grand Rapids, annual dilated eye exams are strongly recommended for anyone with diabetes. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend exams more often, depending on your risk and current eye health.

Early detection through eye exams can:

  • Identify retinopathy before you notice symptoms
  • Allow for earlier, more effective treatment
  • Prevent or delay severe vision loss
  • Help your diabetes care team adjust your treatment plan

You can schedule diabetic eye exams with:

  • Local optometrists and ophthalmologists
  • Hospital‑based eye clinics at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Community clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers in Kent County

Causes and Risk Factors

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by chronic high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels in the retina. Several factors can increase your risk:

  • Poorly controlled blood sugar (high A1C)
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Long duration of diabetes
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Kidney disease
  • Pregnancy in women with diabetes

In Michigan, seasonal changes—like less physical activity in winter, holiday eating patterns, and reduced sunlight—can make diabetes management more challenging. This makes consistent monitoring and care even more important for Grand Rapids residents.

Preventing or Delaying Diabetic Retinopathy

While not all cases can be prevented, good diabetes management can significantly reduce your risk and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Key Prevention Strategies

  • Control blood sugar:

    • Work with your primary care provider or endocrinologist in Grand Rapids to keep your A1C in your target range.
    • Take medications as prescribed and monitor your blood glucose regularly.

  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol:

    • High blood pressure and high cholesterol damage blood vessels, including those in the eyes.
    • Follow your treatment plan, including medications, diet, and exercise.

  • Have regular eye exams:

    • Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam when diabetes is first diagnosed.
    • Continue with annual diabetic eye exams (or more often if recommended).

  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle:

    • Maintain a healthy weight with regular physical activity—even indoor options during Grand Rapids winters.
    • Choose a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
    • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

  • Follow your diabetes care plan:

    • Work closely with your healthcare team, which may include your Grand Rapids primary care provider, endocrinologist, diabetes educator, and eye specialist.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy in Grand Rapids

Early diagnosis and treatment can usually prevent severe vision loss. Treatment depends on the type and stage of diabetic retinopathy and may be provided by an ophthalmologist at a local hospital or eye clinic.

1. Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)

Laser treatment is used successfully to treat many cases of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.

Laser therapy can:

  • Seal leaking blood vessels
  • Reduce swelling in the macula
  • Shrink or slow the growth of abnormal new blood vessels
  • Help prevent further vision loss

This treatment is commonly available through ophthalmology departments at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as private eye clinics.

2. Injections (Anti‑VEGF or Steroid Injections)

For macular edema or proliferative retinopathy, your eye doctor may recommend injections directly into the eye to:

  • Block chemicals that cause new, unhealthy blood vessels to grow
  • Reduce swelling in the macula
  • Stabilize or improve vision

These treatments are typically done in a clinic setting and may require a series of injections over time.

3. Eye Surgery (Vitrectomy)

In more advanced cases—such as severe bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage), retinal detachment, or extensive scar tissue—eye surgery may be necessary.

Vitrectomy surgery:

  • Removes blood and scar tissue from inside the eye
  • Repairs retinal detachments
  • Helps restore or preserve remaining vision

Complex surgical care is usually performed by retinal specialists at major hospitals and surgical centers in the Grand Rapids area.

When to See a Grand Rapids Eye Specialist

Seek prompt eye care if you:

  • Have diabetes and have never had a dilated eye exam
  • Notice any changes in your vision (blurriness, floaters, dark spots, or sudden loss of vision)
  • Are pregnant and have diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational)
  • Have been told you have diabetic retinopathy and have not seen an eye specialist recently

You can start by contacting:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • An optometrist for a diabetic eye exam
  • An ophthalmologist or retinal specialist for advanced evaluation and treatment

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help connect you with local eye care services, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Local Resources for Diabetic Eye Care in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    Eye clinics and retinal specialists for diabetic retinopathy evaluation and treatment.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Comprehensive diabetes and eye care services, including laser and surgical treatments.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Multispecialty care with access to ophthalmology and endocrinology.

  • Mercy Health
    Integrated diabetes management and eye care options.

  • Kent County Health Department
    Information on community clinics, diabetes education, and vision resources.

  • Local Optometrists & Ophthalmologists
    Many practices throughout Grand Rapids offer diabetic eye exams and referrals to retinal specialists.

Key Points to Remember

  • Regular eye exams significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetic retinopathy.
  • All people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
  • There are three main types: non‑proliferative retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and proliferative retinopathy.
  • Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula caused by fluid leakage from retinal blood vessels and can damage central vision.
  • Laser treatment, injections, and surgery are effective options commonly available in Grand Rapids to treat diabetic retinopathy.
  • Good diabetes management—controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol—can delay or slow the development of retinopathy.
  • For residents of Grand Rapids, MI, combining local medical care, regular eye exams, and healthy lifestyle choices offers the best protection for long‑term eye health with diabetes.