How to prevent blindness
caused by diabetes
It now is estimated that about half of all Americans either are pre-diabetic or have diabetes. Diabetes is the #1 cause of new cases of blindness among adults in the U.S. The good news is that loss of vision is very preventable as long as the patient gets an annual eye exam.
During a dilated eye exam an optometrist or ophthalmologist will carefully examine your retina for a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes causes the blood vessels in your eye to leak both blood and fatty deposits. Both of these deposits are harmful to the retina over time and cause injury leading to loss of vision. If diabetic retinopathy is detected in the center of the eye it needs to be treated promptly to preserve your vision.
We have several methods available to control diabetic retinopathy including laser therapy and eye medications. These treatments reduce the swelling that leads to the loss of vision. The key is early detection and treatment. Once damage has occurred it cannot be reversed.
During an eye exam I ask a diabetic patient about their current HgbA1c level. This number tells me how well the patient's diabetes is controlled and thus their likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, please make sure to get an annual eye exam.
During a dilated eye exam an optometrist or ophthalmologist will carefully examine your retina for a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes causes the blood vessels in your eye to leak both blood and fatty deposits. Both of these deposits are harmful to the retina over time and cause injury leading to loss of vision. If diabetic retinopathy is detected in the center of the eye it needs to be treated promptly to preserve your vision.
We have several methods available to control diabetic retinopathy including laser therapy and eye medications. These treatments reduce the swelling that leads to the loss of vision. The key is early detection and treatment. Once damage has occurred it cannot be reversed.
During an eye exam I ask a diabetic patient about their current HgbA1c level. This number tells me how well the patient's diabetes is controlled and thus their likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, please make sure to get an annual eye exam.