People with diabetes, whether it is type 1 or 2, are more prone to having visual impairment problems. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the issues that can be most concerning, and it affects people who have uncontrolled blood glucose levels the most.
Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that is caused by damage to the blood vessels located in the retinal area of the eye. Damage to these light-sensitive blood vessels is caused by an overabundance of glucose that comes along with insufficient insulin production related to diabetes. Since the blood vessels of the eyes are particularly delicate, complications with diabetes can show up in the eyes even if the rest of the body seems to be doing fine.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
According to the Mayo Clinic, some common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy as the condition progresses include:
- Blurred vision
- Changes in color vision
- Experiencing darkened or blank spaces in your vision
- Seeing spots, floaters, or dark strings in your vision
Changes in vision can also happen suddenly, so a sudden loss of vision is not impossible. In some cases, visual issues will fluctuate; they will get worse and get better.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options
For the most part, diabetic retinopathy treatment will involve close monitoring and using injectable medications that will slow or stop those blood vessels that are growing abnormally from continual growth. In addition, a form of laser surgery for the eyes known as photocoagulation can be used to precisely scar and thereby seal off those leaking blood vessels that have been damaged by diabetes. Plans for treatment can vary according to the patient, however, so your optometrist will create an individualized course of monitoring and treatment.
Reach Out to Us for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Hialeah and Weston, FL
Proactive treatment is the key to slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, and at Vision Care & Surgery Associates, we are here to help. Reach out to either our Westin, FL or Hialeah, FL office to schedule a diabetic eye exam and discuss your risks.
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