What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. Inside your eyes, blood vessels bring nutrients and oxygen to keep your eyes healthy.
When diabetes is poorly controlled, it can cause the small blood vessels that service the retina to leak (bleed) or become blocked.
Left untreated, Diabetic Retinopathy could damage your retina and cause blindness.
Because diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs, people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening lets you know whether or not your diabetes is damaging your eyes.
Visiting an eye care specialist for screening is the only way to ensure that your eyes are healthy.
During the exam, your eyes are closely inspected for signs of common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs.
What are the treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Injections
Laser Treatment
Surgery
What can I do to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?
Control blood sugar levels
Control cholesterol
Control blood pressure levels
Maintain healthy body weight
Exercise
Quit smoking
Eat a balanced diet
Visit your eye doctor annually
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What is diabetic retinopathy?
Source: EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology