Diabetes is a dangerous disease. Most people are aware of the effects of diabetes on digestion, energy levels, and even the body’s circulatory system, but did you know that diabetics can also fall victim to problems with their eyes? Here’s what you need to know about diabetic retinopathy treatment – starting with what it is and where it comes from.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
In diabetic retinopathy, high blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels of the eye over time. Specifically, the blood vessels of the retina swell, leak, or close – or even grow in new places. Regardless of which of these forms a patient’s case takes, major changes to vision and overall use of the eye can result.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?
To diagnose this condition, your doctor will need to perform a full diagnostic exam on your eyes, including dilation and careful examination. Some of the indicators that a doctor may look for during this examination include:
- Swelling, leaking, or closure of the blood vessels of the eye
- Fatty deposits inside the eye
- Bleeding into the gel-like substance of the eye
- Retinal detachment
- Appearance of new or abnormal blood vessels or scar tissue
In addition to this, your doctor may ask about or test your vision, talk to you about glaucoma, or cataracts, or perform other tests.
If you are found to have the symptoms of early, non-prolific retinopathy, there are many available approaches for treatment. One of these is better management of your diabetes overall. Another is the use of medication to help manage the symptoms of retinopathy. If you’re in the advanced stages of the condition, though – prolific retinopathy – your only option may be surgical intervention.
If you are seeking Jacksonville, FL diabetic retinopathy treatment, contact your local optical surgical center or ophthalmologist for more information. A simple exam can determine what you’re facing and how it can be treated – and get you on your way to feeling and seeing better.
