Have you heard of diabetic retinopathy before? It's a severe disease that can affect your eyes. It's one of the more typical complications for anyone who suffers from diabetes. This condition is among the leading reason of blindness for adults in the country. However, with early intervention, you can prevent vision loss. At Today's Vision Conroe, our optometrist is ready to help if you've been diagnosed.
Diabetic Retinopathy Explained
When you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels can become too high. This can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, which is the back of your eye. These damaged vessels may leak fluids or even close off completely. The retina is a very important part of how you see, so any damage done to it will affect your vision. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these changes happen in the retina.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages of most eye conditions, there are virtually no symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are so important. However, as diabetic retinopathy progresses, you may start to experience symptoms like:
- Blurry vision: you may notice that it's harder to see, especially at night
- Floaters: you may see spots or strings in your vision
- Flashes of light: there can be sudden streaks or flashes of light in your vision
Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy
Some risk factors make you more likely to get diabetic retinopathy. These include:
- Poorly controlled diabetes: If your blood glucose levels are not well managed, you're at a higher risk of developing this condition
- High blood pressure: Hypertension can also damage the blood vessels in your retina
Treatment And Management
If you have diabetic retinopathy, there are treatment options available. Our optometrist will work with you to come up with the best plan for your individual needs. Laser therapy can help to stop leaking blood vessels and shrink abnormal ones. Intraocular injections are given to help reduce the risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. The medication can help to prevent abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking.
Don't forget regular eye exams as always, regular eye exams are important for catching any problems early on. If you have diabetes, you should be getting an exam at least once a year. We utilize a comprehensive screening process to detect any potential issues you may be having.
Make An Appointment With Our Optometrist In Conroe, TX
If you're ready to get started on managing your diabetic retinopathy, call Today's Vision Conroe today. We'll be happy to set up an appointment for you with our optometrist. Our team will evaluate your situation and come up with the best treatment plan for you.