Did you know that if you have diabetes you’re at a much higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy? This is a serious complication associated with diabetes that can lead to vision loss. At Kueber Eye Care in Park Rapids, we want to make sure that our patients are well-informed about their risks and what they can do to protect their vision. Here are a few questions we hear get about this condition.
How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Affect My Vision?
Diabetic retinopathy can affect your vision in a few ways. First, you may notice that your vision is blurry or distorted. You might also see floaters, which are tiny specks or strings that seem to float across your field of vision. In the more advanced cases, diabetic retinopathy can cause blind spots or even complete vision loss without treatment from an eye doctor.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a condition that is related to diabetes. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Over time, this can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your eyes, which leads to diabetic retinopathy.
Who Is at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy because it is a complication that is directly related to diabetes. However, some people are at a higher risk than others. For example, you may be at a higher risk if you’ve had diabetes for a long time or have blood sugar levels that are not well-controlled. You should also use caution if you have a family history of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, it's not only important to see your regular doctor often, but also to see an eye doctor at least once a year.
What Is the Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Depending on the severity of your condition, there are several ways to treat diabetic retinopathy. Some treatments can include laser therapies that help to stop or slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, surgery may be considered an option to remove damaged blood vessels or to correct vision problems.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy Preventable?
This eye condition isn't completely preventable. However, you can significantly reduce your risk of this eye condition by avoiding smoking, controlling diabetes if you have it, and having regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Contact Our Optometrists for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
At Kueber Eye Care in Park Rapids, we can check for diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems related to diabetes during your comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preserving your vision. Call our team today at (218) 732-8535 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.