Many people do not realize that diabetes can severely affect your vision. The condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy is actually one of the most common diabetic eye diseases and despite advances in technology, pharmaceuticals and treatment regimes, it is still one leading cause of blindness in American adults.

In some ways Diabetic Retinopathy is a little like Glaucoma, another leading cause of blindness that is known as a thief of sight. That is because there are very few warning signs of glaucoma until vision loss has occurred. The same is often true with Diabetic Retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.

In layman terms, Diabetic Retinopathy is caused when the flow of blood into the blood vessels to the retina – or back portion of the eye – is interrupted. In some cases, these blood vessels may actually swell and leak fluid. In other cases of Diabetic Retinopathy, new abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

Patients with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing Diabetic Retinopathy. It is important for everyone with diabetes to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will develop diabetic retinopathy. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy.

Because there are often few if any visual symptoms in the early stages of the disease, nor is there any pain, patients who are diabetic should NOT wait for symptoms. Be sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

If left untreated, Diabetic Retinopathy can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. Also, the earlier you receive treatment, the more likely treatment will be effective.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact one of our care centers for a comprehensive eye exam.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call Eye Physicians of Florida at 954-851-9966.