If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for serious eye problems. It can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. But diabetic eye disease can often be treated before vision loss occurs. You can lower your risk for these conditions if you get regular eye checkups and work with your healthcare provider to keep your diabetes under control.
While you can’t completely prevent diabetic retinopathy, you can reduce your risk of getting it. And controlling your blood sugar can stop it from getting worse. Read on to learn more about this condition.
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that can lead to blurry, distorted vision or even blindness. It happens when diabetes harms blood vessels on the retina at the back of the eye.
The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye that allows you to see. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels of the retina and cause them to leak or bleed. This damage can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Tight control of your blood sugar can help.
Treatment may help slow the progress of diabetic retinopathy. Your treatment plan depends on your condition. You may need frequent exams to watch for changes. You may also need laser treatment and other procedures. Here's what you need to know.
