Are you struggling with diabetic eye disease in Boca Raton? It might behoove you to learn a little more about this cluster of eye conditions linked to diabetes.
There are several kinds of eye and vision problems common to people with diabetes. They include retinopathy, which is damage to blood vessels in the retina, cataracts, which is clouding of the lens, and glaucoma, which is an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye.
Retinopathy
Of these three afflictions, retinopathy is the most common. It remains a leading cause of adult blindness. It can harm the eye in a variety of ways. Sometimes it causes the blood vessels in the retina to swell and leak, while other times it causes an abnormal growth in retinal blood vessels. This can lead to loss of vision or full blindness.
There are often no symptoms in the early stages of retinopathy. There may be no pain or change in vision until the disease has progressed. This is a wonderful reason why people with diabetic eye disease in Boca Raton should schedule yearly eye exams with dilation.
Anyone with diabetes is at severe risk of developing retinopathy. In fact, about half of all diabetics will contract the disorder at some point in their lives.
Retinopathy can be treated with laser surgery. The laser can be used to close abnormal blood vessels or leaking vessels. It can greatly reduce the likelihood of severe vision loss, but it cannot bring back vision that has already been lost.
Glaucoma and Cataracts
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma compared to the general population. They tend to develop these conditions earlier, too. While cataracts can be treated surgically, and glaucoma through medication and surgery, the earlier the diseases are discovered, the better the prognosis will be.
The upshot for diabetics is that you should schedule an eye exam with dilation once a year. It could save you from severe vision loss. Contact Retinal Eyecare Associates at today. We strive to provide the best available eyecare.
