Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body's ability to use and store
sugar and can cause many health problems. One, called diabetic
retinopathy, can weaken and cause changes in the small blood vessels
that nourish your eye's retina, the delicate, light sensitive lining of the back
of the eye. These blood vessels may begin to leak, swell or develop brush-like
branches.
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may cause blurred vision, or they
may produce no visual symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may notice
a cloudiness of vision, blind spots or floaters.
If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, which is one
reason why it is important to have your eyes examined regularly by your doctor
of optometry. This is especially true if you are a diabetic or if you have a
family history of diabetes.
To detect diabetic retinopathy, your optometrist can look inside your eyes
with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope that lights and magnifies the blood
vessels in your eyes. If you have diabetic retinopathy, laser and other surgical
treatments can be used to reduce its progression and decrease the risk of vision
loss. Early treatment is important because once damage has occurred, the effects
are usually permanent.
If you are a diabetic, you can help prevent diabetic retinopathy by taking
your prescribed medication as instructed, sticking to your diet, exercising
regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
November is National Diabetes Month. Members of the American Optometric
Association are joining with members of other health care organizations in an
effort to prevent blindness in Americans with diabetes. If you or a member of
your family has not received a dilated eye examination in the past year, you
should contact your optometrist for an appointment. If you do not have an
optometrist, call 1-800-262-3947 for the names of doctors in your area.
