Long term diabetics run the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye disease that can cause vision loss. The following FAQs from Positive Eye Ons Optometry in West Hollywood provide more information about diabetic retinopathy causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease caused by high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar runs out of control, it causes swelling of retinal blood vessels, leading to blood leaking into the retina or macula of the eye, damaging your vision. People who have had diabetes for 10 years or more are more prone to developing this disease.

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

By keeping blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels under control, you reduce your risk of developing this eye disease. You should also have your eyes examined annually by your West Hollywood optometrist to monitor this condition.

How Do I Know I Have Diabetic Retinopathy?

There are no early warning signs of this disease. Once the disease has progressed, however, you may experience cloudy vision, floaters, or blind spots in your vision. Through annual eye exams, your eye doctor can detect this disease in its early stages, enabling you to take steps to protect your vision.

Are There Different Types of Diabetic Retinopathy?

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative. Nonproliferative retinopathy is considered the early stage of the disease characterized by the breakage of retinal blood vessels and blood leakage. Proliferative retinopathy is considered the advanced stage and is characterized by the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina of your eye. This abnormal growth can cause retinal detachment or scarring, leading to permanent vision loss.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

Depending on your condition, we may recommend laser surgery to prevent further retinal damage and loss of vision. Laser surgery, however, won’t recuperate vision that’s already been destroyed by the disease.

See Your West Hollywood Optometrist for Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis and Treatment

To schedule an eye exam for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, contact your Positive Eye Ons Optometry optometrist in West Hollywood at (323) 651-5646 today. We’re here for all your eye care needs.