Diabetic Retinopathy: An Overview
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can develop in people who have diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and what you can do if you think you may be experiencing them.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not cause any vision problems. As the condition progresses, however, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuations in vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Seeing double
• spots or strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Decreased color vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. They will be able to diagnose diabetic retinopathy and determine the best course of treatment. Early detection and treatment are important in preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
What can I do to prevent diabetic retinopathy?
If you have diabetes, there are steps you can take to help prevent diabetic retinopathy:
1. Control your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
2. Get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year so that any changes in your vision can be caught early on.
3. Quit smoking if you smoke cigarettes. Smoking increases your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy and other complications from diabetes. These are just a few things you can do to help prevent diabetic retinopathy. For more information, please speak with your eye doctor or primary care physician.
Conclusion: Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Symptoms include blurred vision, fluctuations in vision, difficulty seeing at night, seeing double, spots or strings floating in your vision, and decreased color vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment. There are also steps you can take to help prevent diabetic retinopathy such as controlling your blood sugar levels, getting annual eye exams, and quitting smoking cigarettes if you smoke. For more information on preventing diabetic retinopathy, please speak with your eye doctor or primary care physician