Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting millions globally. The condition can often lead to other health complications, including diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy) that affects vision. Diabetic eye disease is among the top causes of blindness. However, the condition is preventable, and working with experts like the diabetic eye disease San Antonio specialists can help. Understanding the condition is crucial to help you know what you can do and at what time. The following are some facts about diabetic eye disease that you must know. Follow through.
The Condition Does Not Initially Show Symptoms
One of the reasons diabetic eye disease continues to be among the leading causes of blindness, yet it can be avoided, is that for many, it is a silent killer. Many people do not realize they are enduring the condition until it is advanced. You might not be aware of the condition until you start experiencing vision problems, which might have already caused permanent damage. It will help if you keep regular doctor visits if you have a diagnosis to learn better ways to manage the condition before it causes additional health problems like diabetic retinopathy.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment are Critical
It has been mentioned that you might not be aware of diabetic retinopathy until it is late. However, there are several ways to catch the condition early for effective management and to avoid blindness. Since it is not easy to tell the signs of the condition, you must regularly visit your eye doctor for an examination. Your doctor has additional expertise and training to detect such complications before they cause permanent damage to your vision. Your doctor can diagnose bleeding, floating spots, and other signs early.
The Condition Develops Gradually
Diabetic retinopathy develops in four stages over time. It begins as mild proliferative retinopathy, where blood vessels inflate and might leak fluid to the retina. The swelling progresses and becomes moderate proliferative retinopathy when the blood vessels cannot nourish the retina anymore. More vessels become blocked, and the retina grows more of them, and at this stage, you are enduring severe proliferative retinopathy. Finally, the condition becomes proliferative diabetic retinopathy when new vessels develop but are abnormal and cause scarring, bleeding, leaking, or retinal detachment.
Dilated Eye Exams are Critical
Depending on your diabetic eye disease’s unique risks, your eye doctor can recommend dilated eye examinations. The examination allows your doctor to observe changes in your eye components like the blood vessels, nerve tissues, lens, and macula. You might need to check in with your doctor every 2-4 months if you are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
You Can Help Manage Your Situation
When diabetic eye disease is caught early, you can help manage the situation with the guidance of your doctor. You might need to take prescription medications, manage cholesterol and blood pressure, avoid tobacco, and maintain a healthy weight. You can also develop a regular exercise schedule, focus on eating healthy and commit to your annual comprehensive eye examinations or any other needed appointments. You must also adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan and follow every detailed instruction.
Diabetic eye disease can be limited and blindness avoided. Get in touch with the Alamo Eye Care specialists if you think you are at risk of the condition or have suspicious symptoms. Request a consultation appointment via a call to understand available treatments.