What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Patients diagnosed with diabetes and who have difficulty controlling high blood sugar levels are at higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and experiencing worsening symptoms that can lead to retinal detachment or legal blindness. Those with diabetes need their blood sugar levels to stay within the target range. In addition, high blood pressure can exacerbate symptoms. An optometrist at Lakeside Eye Associates can assess a patient’s eye health and note changes with a comprehensive eye exam. In order to properly manage diabetic retinopathy, it is also necessary to get blood sugar levels under control with diabetic medications, and nutrition and lifestyle changes.

What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Initial symptoms of diabetic retinopathy begin with weakness in the blood vessels of the eye. Individuals with the condition can experience● Leaking fluids and blood from blood vessels into the retina● Blurry vision and vision problems● Macular edema and Blindness.
The most common retinopathy is nonproliferative retinopathy. Some people express symptoms but the majority of individuals show no symptoms. This is one major reason why those with diabetes should schedule a comprehensive eye exam regularly to check for changes to the retina and structures supporting the eye. Patients with high blood sugar levels often develop worsening symptoms.

To make an appointment for an eye exam at Lakeside Eye Associates, please call our Huntersville, NC optometry clinic at 704-896-3311.