Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can develop in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Blood vessels inside the retina become swollen, damaged, or they grow irregularly. This is caused by maintaining a high average blood glucose level over a long period of time – usually years. If you or someone you love has diabetes, then you need to know about diabetic retinopathy.
Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
A patient with mild diabetic retinopathy may not notice any symptoms, or the symptoms may be so minor that they don’t realize the problem exists. It isn’t until the condition becomes severe that you notice significant changes in your vision, including:
- Loss of central vision when driving or reading
- Unexplained blurry vision
- Black spots in vision
- Inability to view colors
It’s always best to contact an ophthalmologist if you notice any changes in your vision – even if the changes seem very small or aren’t life-changing.
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
The most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. You should also see an eye doctor regularly. A diabetic retinopathy screening can be included with your regular exam. A medical professional can assess your risk and determine the best course of action. The earlier the condition is detected, the sooner you can make changes to prevent loss of sight.
Even if you aren’t yet experiencing problems, you should still make an appointment. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey today to receive a comprehensive examination along with a diabetic retinopathy screening.