Proper Vision Care Is Essential For Those With Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the most common eye diseases for those with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition also happens to be the leading cause of adult blindness in the U.S. This illness is brought about when the blood vessels within the eye begins to swell, which then leads to fluid loss from the eye. It can also be characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth which covers the retina of the eye. The retina is essential to vision, so if you have diabetes, proper vision care is something which you must take seriously.

It does not matter if you have type 1or type 2 diabetes; you are at a higher risk for diabetic retinopathy. It is recommended that all diabetics receive a full eye exam at least once every year to keep any potential vision problems at bay. The length of time that a person has diabetes directly affects their risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. It has been estimated that up to 45% of all diabetics have it in some stage of development. That is why early diagnosis and treatment is so crucial. Once it has been diagnosed, it can be treated so that it does not progress.

Diabetic women who are pregnant also have a higher risk of retinopathy. Pregnant women who also have diabetes should have their vision checked regularly by having an exam which features dilation. Some doctors encourage pregnant diabetic women to have several eye exams during the course of their pregnancy. For most diabetic women, this is the safest course of action to insure their vision is not compromised while pregnant.

It has been shown that diabetics who can control their blood sugar level properly can slow both the start of diabetic retinopathy and the progression of the disease as well. In the studies where diabetic retinopathy was compared to blood sugar levels, it was shown those individuals who successfully controlled their sugar levels were also less likely to have diabetic retinopathy, and have less nerve and kidney disease.

Generally those with diabetic retinopathy will show no outward symptoms of the disease during its earlier stages. If you have diabetes, it is advised that you not wait for symptoms before you seek vision care. Only a comprehensive eye exam which features complete dilation will detect diabetic retinopathy. Blurred vision and blindness are the results of this disease if it is not diagnosed and treated properly.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, then you should make sure that they receive the proper treatment when it comes to vision care. It is important for everyone, but it is essential for those who have been diagnosed as diabetic.