Diabetic Retinopathy

A large majority of Americans who have diabetes will ultimately develop a serious eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. The condition is caused by the effect of diabetes on blood vessels in the eyes. When blood vessels on the front part of the retina are damaged due to diabetes, scar tissue can grow in the area and blood or fluid may leak. This affects the retina’s ability to detect and transmit visual images to the brain.

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy typically do not affect reading vision; however, once the condition becomes more advanced, new blood vessels grow in the retina which may bleed. This bleeding can cause hazy vision, and may ultimately result in complete blindness. Abnormal blood vessel growth caused by diabetic retinopathy can also lead to glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment – a condition that can also lead to complete loss of vision if left untreated.

Although there are typically no symptoms in the beginning stages of diabetic retinopathy, some signs of the condition include:

Floaters (small spots in the field of vision)
Difficulty reading or doing work close to the eyes
Double vision can be observed

If left untreated, severe vision loss can result from diabetic retinopathy.

Although everyone who has diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy, not everyone develops it. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing the condition. Diabetics don’t usually develop diabetic retinopathy until they’ve had diabetes for at least 10 years.

The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by controlling blood sugar levels, keeping an eye on your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and getting an eye exam at least once a year.

Please contact CorrectVision for more information on Diabetic retinopathy. Our Weston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida-area ophthalmologist can evaluate you for the condition and discuss treatment options.

Pemproke Pines: 954.501.0822
Weston: 954.633.5488

Pembroke Pines Location
Mercantile Bank Building
One SW 129th Ave, Ste 209
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
Phone: 954.501.0822
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Weston Location
Broward Health Weston
2300 N Commerce Pkwy, Ste 201
Weston, FL 33326
Phone: 954.633.5488
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