Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age
Americans. Approximately 29 million Americans age 20 or older
have diabetes. But many, almost one-third, don't know they have
the disease and are at risk for vision loss and other health problems.
Diabetic eye disease, a group of eye problems that affects those
with diabetes, includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and
glaucoma. The most common of these is diabetic retinopathy,
which affects 5.3 million Americans age eighteen and older.
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding condition in which the
blood vessels inside the retina become damaged from the high blood
sugar levels associated with diabetes. This leads to the leakage of
fluids into the retina and the obstruction of blood flow. Both may
cause vision loss.
More than one-third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not receive
the recommended vision care and are at risk for blindness. Often
early symptoms are unnoticed, therefore your vision may not be
affected until the disease is severe and less easily treatable.
Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a complete dilated
eye examination with your Eye M.D. at least once a year. Make an
appointment promptly if you experience blurred vision and/or
floaters that:
Affect only one eye
Last more than a few days
Are not associated with a change in blood sugar
In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment has been
shown to reduce the chance of severe vision loss and blindness.
This surgery does not cure diabetic retinopathy or restore vision
that has already been lost, nor does it prevent future vision loss,
especially if diabetes or blood pressure is not well controlled.
Diabetes can also affect your vision by causing cataracts and
glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you may get cataracts at a younger
age and your chances of developing glaucoma are doubled.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and most importantly, maintaining strict
control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet, exercise and
medication can help to reduce your risk of developing eye diseases
associated with diabetes.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age
Americans. Approximately 29 million Americans age 20 or older
have diabetes. But many, almost one-third, don't know they have
the disease and are at risk for vision loss and other health problems.
Diabetic eye disease, a group of eye problems that affects those
with diabetes, includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and
glaucoma. The most common of these is diabetic retinopathy,
which affects 5.3 million Americans age eighteen and older.
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding condition in which the
blood vessels inside the retina become damaged from the high blood
sugar levels associated with diabetes. This leads to the leakage of
fluids into the retina and the obstruction of blood flow. Both may
cause vision loss.
More than one-third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not receive
the recommended vision care and are at risk for blindness. Often
early symptoms are unnoticed, therefore your vision may not be
affected until the disease is severe and less easily treatable.
Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a complete dilated
eye examination with your Eye M.D. at least once a year. Make an
appointment promptly if you experience blurred vision and/or
floaters that:
Affect only one eye
Last more than a few days
Are not associated with a change in blood sugar
In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment has been
shown to reduce the chance of severe vision loss and blindness.
This surgery does not cure diabetic retinopathy or restore vision
that has already been lost, nor does it prevent future vision loss,
especially if diabetes or blood pressure is not well controlled.
Diabetes can also affect your vision by causing cataracts and
glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you may get cataracts at a younger
age and your chances of developing glaucoma are doubled.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and most importantly, maintaining strict
control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet, exercise and
medication can help to reduce your risk of developing eye diseases
associated with diabetes.
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| CAROLINA RETINA INSTITUTE,PC Diseases and Surgery of the Retina, Vitreous, and Macula |
| Amit Kumar, MD Board Certified Ophthalmologist Fellowship Trained Vitreoretinal Surgeon |
| 940 SE Cary Parkway, Suite 100 Cary, NC 27518 |
| Fax: (919) 859 4515 (919) 859 4511 email: carolinaretina@gmail.com |
| 1011 W. Williams St, Suite 103, Apex, NC 27502 |