Diabetic Eye Disease
“I am a diabetic, and I see well; so why do I need my eyes examined?”
This is a common thought and question among diabetic patients if they have no problems with their vision. The goal of diabetic eye care is to PREVENT vision loss before it occurs. Although you might be seeing well, it is not uncommon to have a vision-threatening problem with your retina. These problems are easily detected and treated with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Studies have shown that diabetics are more likely to keep their vision if treatment is started before diabetic eye disease has actually developed. You should have your eyes examined if it has been more than one year since your last exam, even if you are seeing well.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease among diabetics. It is also the leading cause of blindness in American adults. This disease occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged. These blood vessels frequently leak fluid and cause the retina to swell. Sometimes, abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina. Swelling of the retina or abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of your eye can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy usually occurs in both eyes. The most common symptom of diabetic retinopathy is slight changes in vision, which is why many patients don’t notice vision changes until damage has already occured. Over time, the condition can worsen, causing greater vision loss.
Who Is at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus is at risk. It is important that everyone with diabetes get a dilated eye exam at least once a year to check for the disease, as the risk increases with each passing year. It is estimated that 45 percent of diabetic Americans have some form of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy can worsen in pregnancy. If you are diabetic and pregnant, then it is important that you have diabetic eye exams.
What Are the Symptoms?
During the early and moderate stages of the disease, many patients experience no pain or noticeable symptoms. That is why it is recommended that diabetic patients have annual dilated eye exams before the disease progresses, leading to irreversible symptoms. Blurred central vision may occur, caused by a condition called macular edema. If the disease has progressed to where new blood vessels have grown, then they can bleed and cause blocked vision.
Tips to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy
- Control blood glucose levels
- Keep blood pressure stable
- Check cholesterol levels
- Eat a healthy diet
- Don’t smoke
- Move for at least 30 minutes each day
Schedule an Eye Exam Today
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, please call the experts at Brazos Eye Surgery of Texas in Waco today to schedule an appointment. Early detection can prevent vision loss.
