Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness and vision morbidity in adults and the geriatric population. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy increases with increasing duration of diabetes. So, what is diabetic retinopathy? This is when diabetes causes damage or harms the blood vessels inside the eye. These blood vessels become weak and can break, leak, or bleed into the retina, thereby causing blurry or distorted vision. Poor blood sugar control as well as smoking, poorly controlled high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can make diabetic retinopathy worse. Research has also shown that diabetic retinopathy is more common in African Americans and Hispanics. So, what are the symptoms you should watch out for? Well, you can have diabetic retinopathy and not even know it and that is why it is important to get regular eye checkups. Get your eyes examined by an eye specialist regularly if you have a chronic disease like diabetes. Usually, no pain is felt, but over time, you may notice gradual vision loss or blurring, trouble seeing at nighttime or see floaters or spots.

The key: Prevention, early treatment, and good diabetes control and management through diet, exercise and dedicated use of prescription medications as directed by your healthcare provider.