When you are diagnosed with diabetes the last thing you want to hear is that this metabolic disease actually is the gateway to a host of other conditions that affect your nervous system, kidneys, heart and, yes, vision. At Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, we provide comprehensive eye exams to learn more about your condition and treatment to preserve your eyesight. Prior to visiting us, we invite you to keep reading to learn about some frequenly asked quetons about diabetic retinopathy.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Glucose accumulation damages blood vessels throughout the body, but the delicate vessels in our eyes are at greater risk for damage. The retina converts signals which are sent to the brain along the optic nerve. Damaged blood vessels, scarring, leaking fatty deposits and new growth all threaten our vision; when your blood sugar is poorly controlled, these vessel problems can impact your vision.
What are the Types of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is an early form, the blood vessels become weak and leak blood, or dilate and nerve fibers swell.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is the advanced form of the disease where blood vessels close off and new abnormal vessels try to grow. This can increase pressure in the eyeball and cause damage to the optic nerve.
What are the Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Any diabetic is at risk for developing retinopathy. However, your risk may increase due to the following:
• Poor control of blood sugar level
• Tobacco use
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• How long you have had diabetes
• Being Native American, Hispanic or African-American
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Initially, this condition may demonstrate no symptoms while damage is being done, which is why regularly scheduled comprehensive eye examinations are so vital to your eye health. As the retinopathy progresses you may experience:
• Floaters- or string-like spots floating into your vision
• Dark areas in your vision
• Impaired color vision
• Blurred vision
• Vision loss
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed and Treated?
Those comprehensive eye exams will include dilation of the pupils and thorough examination of all blood vessels; if the condition is detected, your eye doctor will discuss their findings and treatment options with you.
Initially, if detected early, no treatment may be necessary, just careful monitoring. If treatment is required, medication and laser surgery may be necessary to stop blood leakage from damaged vessels.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, let our team at Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an eye exam, call us at (803) 254-6306 today. We look forward to improving your vision!
