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DIABETIC
RETINOPATHY
Diabetics
are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma,
but the disease’s affect on the retina is the main threat to
vision. The effect of diabetes on the eye is called diabetic retinopathy.
Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy,
but not everyone develops it. In its early stages, you may not notice
any change in your vision, but it can lead to the later, sight-threatening
form of the disease.
Most patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately
20 years.
The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When
light enters the eye, the retina changes the light into nerve signals.
The retina then sends these signals along the optic nerve to the
brain. Without a retina, the eye cannot communicate with the brain,
making vision impossible.
Floaters can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes difficulty
reading or doing close work can indicate that fluid is collecting
in the macula, the most light-sensitive part of the retina. This
fluid build-up is called macular edema.
Another sign is double vision, which occurs when the nerves controlling
the eye muscles are affected. If you experience any of these signs,
see your eye doctor immediately. Otherwise, diabetics should see
their eye doctor at least once a year for a dilated eye exam.
Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing
diabetic retinopathy by using common sense and taking good care
of yourself. Follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep your
blood sugar under good control, monitor your blood pressure and
keep it under good control, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise
regularly. |
Green Valley:
2598 Windmill Parkway
Southwest Las Vegas: 9100 W. Post Road Las
Pahrump office: 2120 E Calvada Blvd. Pahrump, NV – 89048-5805 Phone: 702.896.6043
Goldring Medical Center Office: 2020 Goldring Medical Plaza, Suite 401
Phone (702) 896-6043 • Toll Free (888) 425-2745 • jduncan@nee-nv.com
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