Diabetic retinopathy is a severe eye condition that affects millions of diabetics and leads to vision loss if left untreated. It’s essential to understand the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for diabetic retinopathy. With this information, you can take steps to protect your vision and get the help you need.

At House of Optical, we can help with your diabetic eye care. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people who have diabetes. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, these blood vessels can become injured, leading to vision problems.

Diabetic retinopathy can be classified into two types: non-proliferative and proliferative. Non-proliferative retinopathy is the most common form known by fluid and blood leakage from the damaged blood vessels.

Proliferative retinopathy is a more advanced form of the condition. The growth of new blood vessels in the retina can lead to vision loss.

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may not be any visible symptoms. Patients with diabetes must have their eyes examined yearly or more frequently if their doctor recommends it. If the condition progresses, they may experience blurred vision, dark spots in vision, difficulty seeing at night, and fluctuating vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must schedule an appointment with an eye specialist immediately.

Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your eye doctor will use a unique magnifying lens to examine the back of your eye and look for signs of damage to the blood vessels.

Once the condition is diagnosed, the eye doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the disease. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes in mild cases, such as a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and controlling blood sugar levels. In more advanced cases, the doctor may recommend laser surgery to reduce swelling and damage to the blood vessels.

Diabetic retinopathy isn’t the only eye condition that can affect people with diabetes. Other common diabetic eye problems include:

The signs and symptoms of diabetes in the eyes can vary depending on the type of eye condition. Common signs and symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, and blind spots. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must schedule an appointment with an eye specialist immediately.

The treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. In mild cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to control the condition. Laser surgery may be recommended in more severe cases to reduce swelling and damage to the blood vessels.

It’s essential to seek treatment for diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible, as it can lead to permanent vision loss. In addition, untreated diabetic retinopathy can increase your risk of developing other severe eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

If you have diabetes, it’s essential to take steps to protect your vision. Here are some tips for diabetic eye care:

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but treatable, eye condition. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of diabetic retinopathy so you can get the help you need. At House of Optical, we can help with your diabetic eye care.

Contact us to schedule your appointment today.