Diabetic Retinopathy Explained

How big is this problem?

According to EyeCare America, nearly 24,000 folks with diabetes lose their vision each year. Currently, around 57 million Americans are at risk of getting diabetes. But by 2050, based on widespread dietary and lifestyle problems, studies show that nearly one-third of all Americans could be afflicted with diabetes (nearly 100 million people). That means the number of folks losing their eyesight due to diabetes could also skyrocket. This is an equally big problem in Texas, where approximately 2.1 million adults (more than ten percent) are believed to have diabetes. Many of these folks, of course, live in the Dallas area.

Approximately 95 percent of folks with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus), which is the type most likely to cause vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

How does diabetes affect eye health?

Basically, diabetic retinopathy is the result of changes in the retina’s blood vessels. Sometimes, blood vessels can start swelling, and even start leaking fluids (usually just a few specks of blood) that clouds vision. Other times, the retina can get plagued by abnormal blood vessels growing on its surfaces.

Unfortunately, this sort of vision loss cannot usually be regained — and if, left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to complete blindness. But with early, assertive treatment, the worst effects of diabetic retinopathy can be avoided. This, of course speaks to the importance of regular eye exams for those with Diabetes. At 1st Eye Care Arlington we take digital photos of your retina and compare them each year to identify any changes related to Diabetes.

What are some early signs?

Like many vision problems, it happens slowly over time. Vision blurs. Reading becomes a little bit tougher. You find yourself squinting. But there aren’t really any telltale early warning signs specific to diabetic retinopathy, so it’s important to schedule an appointment for an annual eye exam in our Arlington eye doctor’s office in order to find out exactly what’s going on.

How can 1st Eye Care Arlington Help?

The most important thing to do in order to prevent diabetic vision-loss, of course, is to treat the diabetes itself through your regular physician. But here at 1st Eye Care Arlington, we too can help reduce vision loss through a variety of treatments — when it’s detected early enough.

According to EyecareAmerica:

“What people don’t know is that early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care can reduce their risk of blindness by 95 percent even for people with established and significant diabetic retinopathy.”

Furthermore, we can make life with the vision-loss you do experience as easy and pain-free as possible. And that’s the key — eyesight problems shouldn’t keep you from living a full, robust life.