What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to process and store sugar is impaired. Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes. Five million are at risk for vision loss because they don’t know they have it. Diabetics are 25 times more likely to become blind than those without the disease.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by deterioration of blood vessels in the retina. The longer you have diabetes, the greater your chances are to develop this condition.
Symptoms
In the early stages, there are often no symptoms. Vision may not be affected until the disease becomes severe. You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Blurred vision lasting more than a few days
- Blurred vision not related to change in blood sugar
- Floaters
How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?
At Discover Vision, we believe in developing a partnership between you, your primary care physician, and our doctors. Diabetic Retinopathy is easily detected during routine eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a dilated eye exam once a year. In early stages, the condition is treatable with laser surgery. When treated promptly, laser surgery helps reduce risk of severe vision loss by up to 90 percent.
To learn more about the latest Diabetic treatments, call Discover Vision at 816.478.1230.
