Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It can affect anyone who has diabetes regardless of whether they are treated with insulin, tablets or diet only. Generally, retinopathy has no obvious symptoms until it is well advanced. This is why annual eye exams are so important for everyone with diabetes. Early detection is paramount to successful treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels supplying the retina - the inner layer of the eye. Blood vessels can become blocked, leak or grow haphazardly. This affects the way the retina functions and if left untreated can lead to blindness.
Blurred vision is not usually a sign of retinopathy but is common at the time you are diagnosed with diabetes or soon afterwards. Blurred vision is usually caused by high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Blood glucose levels can sometimes take weeks to settle down, but once they are under control the vision will return to normal.
The most common treatment for diabetic retinopathy is through the use of a laser which stabilises the retina and the leaking blood vessels.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It can affect anyone who has diabetes regardless of whether they are treated with insulin, tablets or diet only. Generally, retinopathy has no obvious symptoms until it is well advanced. This is why annual eye exams are so important for everyone with diabetes. Early detection is paramount to successful treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels supplying the retina - the inner layer of the eye. Blood vessels can become blocked, leak or grow haphazardly. This affects the way the retina functions and if left untreated can lead to blindness.
Blurred vision is not usually a sign of retinopathy but is common at the time you are diagnosed with diabetes or soon afterwards. Blurred vision is usually caused by high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Blood glucose levels can sometimes take weeks to settle down, but once they are under control the vision will return to normal.
The most common treatment for diabetic retinopathy is through the use of a laser which stabilises the retina and the leaking blood vessels.
