What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. When the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they can leak fluid or blood, causing vision problems. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, vision can become blurry, distorted, or even disappear entirely.
How Does A Diabetic Eye Exam Detect Retinopathy?
The good news is that diabetic retinopathy can be detected early through regular diabetic eye exams. During an eye exam, an eye doctor will dilate your pupils with eye drops and examine your retina for signs of damage. They may also take pictures of your retina or perform other tests to get a more detailed look.
If diabetic retinopathy is detected, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, simply controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication may be enough to prevent further damage. In more advanced cases, laser surgery or other procedures may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
Early Detection Is Key
But the key to successful treatment is early detection, which is why regular diabetic eye exams are so important. Diabetes Canada recommends that people with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or more often if recommended by their doctor.
Unfortunately, many people with diabetes don't realize the importance of regular eye exams and may skip them altogether. Some may assume that if they don't have any vision problems, they don't need to see an eye doctor. Others may be afraid of what they might find and choose to ignore the problem. But the reality is that ignoring the problem will only make things worse. Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive condition, which means that it will get worse over time if left untreated. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be done, and treatment may be less effective.
Regular eye exams are also important for detecting other eye problems that can occur in people with diabetes, such as cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions can also cause vision loss if left untreated, but they can be managed with early detection and treatment.
What Can You Do?
In addition to regular diabetic eye exams, there are other things people with diabetes can do to protect their eyesight.
- Control blood sugar levels
- Monitor blood pressure
- Manage cholesterol
- Quit smoking
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Protect Your Vision With Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetic eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health in people with diabetes. Regular diabetic eye exams can detect diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and the preservation of vision. By taking care of their eyes and managing their diabetes, people with diabetes can reduce the risk of complications and live a healthy and active life.
Regular adult eye exams monitor your eye health, but they are also an important part of maintaining your overall health. If your optometrist detects abnormalities in your eyes that indicate you are developing a health condition, it can prompt you to visit your primary care doctor and assess for health conditions in the early stages, which can prevent conditions like diabetic retinopathy from worsening. If you want to protect your eye health and your overall health, book an adult eye exam at Market Mall Optometry in Calgary NW. Our staff will check for any abnormalities and we will ensure you are informed and educated about your eye health and any developing conditions. To schedule an eye exam, call Market Mall Optometry at 1-403-286-4884 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: How often should people with diabetes get an eye exam?
A: Diabetes Canada recommends that people with diabetes have a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at least once a year, or more often if recommended by their doctor.
Q: Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
A: Yes, diabetic retinopathy can be treated. In the early stages, controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication may be enough to prevent further damage. In more advanced cases, laser surgery or other procedures may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
Q: Are there other ways to prevent eye problems in people with diabetes?
A: Yes, controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can all help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of eye problems.
