ABOUT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
When it's not taken care of properly, diabetes can lead to a whole host of other health problems. One of the most prominent eye-related conditions that can plague diabetic patients is diabetic retinopathy. This condition develops when the blood vessels in the eye undergo sudden changes, such as swelling, blocking, or leakage, which can then affect your eye's ability to filter light into images. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in patients between 18 and 65 years of age. If you have diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), it's important to receive regular eye exams so issues, like diabetic retinopathy, can be diagnosed and managed accordingly. The Eye Center physicians offer cutting-edge solutions for diseases, like diabetic retinopathy. Contact The Eye Center of Southern Indiana in Bloomington, IN, and take control of your eye health.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SYMPTOMS
Many patients may not notice symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in the early stages of the illness. Since the condition progresses slowly over time, it may even take several years for abnormal symptoms to develop. However, some things you may notice in the later stages of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Vision loss
- Blurry or distorted sight
- Flashes or floaters
- Reduced color vision
- Noticing dark spots in your line of vision
Several of these symptoms mirror those of a retinal tear or detachment so it's important to stay on top of your eye health and make sure you receive the best care.
PREVENT OR TREAT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic retinopathy could potentially pose a threat to anyone with diabetes, especially if their blood sugar is not controlled. The best way for men and women alike to prevent this disease is to take good care of their overall health and receive yearly eye examinations to ensure that their ocular structures are in good condition and functioning normally. If you're a diabetic and haven't been in to have a routine eye exam in a while, schedule one today at our Bloomington, IN office.