What Diabetes Can Do to Your Eyes

shutterstock_60533599We all know that diabetes is characterized by an abnormal increase in one’s blood glucose level. However, some of us are not aware that it could cause many other medical conditions. It could even go so far to affect the eyes and result to an eye problem called diabetic retinopathy.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

One of the complications of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a condition wherein the blood vessels found at the retina are damaged. The condition is initially asymptomatic. In some cases, a patient may only have mild vision problems that are easily ignored. However, it is a serious condition that can result to blindness over time. Whether you are suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as long as your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, you are still likely to develop the condition.

Do you have diabetic retinopathy?

If you are diabetic and have floaters in your vision, blurring or fluctuating eyesight, or a total loss of it, you may be suffering from diabetic retinopathy. It usually affects both eyes and is classified depending on the signs and symptoms.

What are other risk factors to take note of?

Anyone who has diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy anytime, yet your chances of acquiring the condition increase the longer you have diabetes. You are also more likely to experience this complication if you have poor control over your blood sugar level, or worse, if you are suffering from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Smokers and pregnant women have a high risk of having diabetic retinopathy as well.

Diabetic Eye Exams in Lincoln, NE

If you have diabetes, you should be aware of the importance of diabetic eye exams. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Forgey today by calling us at (402) 483-2323 and know how to maintain good vision even with diabetes.

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