Early Detection and Treatment Is Best for Diabetic Retinopathy

It's best to detect diabetic retinopathy as early as possible because you'll have a better chance of successfully preventing it from worsening. It's obviously better to not have it at all, but given that you can't completely eliminate your risk of developing the condition, you need to keep a careful watch on your vision and eye health if you have diabetes. Positive Eye Ons in Los Angeles, located just south of West Hollywood, offers monitoring and treatment for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and helps you keep your vision as healthy as possible.
​​​​​​​

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

In a nutshell, if your blood sugar and blood pressure become too high, they can have effects on the blood vessels in your retina, leading to eventual damage to your eyesight. Occasional high blood sugar typically doesn't do this, but the constantly higher levels experienced by people with diabetes can cause your retinal blood vessels to become weak. Leaks of blood and other fluid into the eye can lead to reduced vision and outright blindness.

You do have a measure of control before you develop the condition. If you have diabetes, do your best to control your blood sugar and blood pressure. Lose weight, don't smoke, and eat the best diet that allows you to keep steady glucose levels. Be very aware of how your eyesight is doing. Regular vision exams and retinal exams are critical parts of protecting your eyes.

If you do develop diabetic retinopathy, it could show up in two different forms, one called early diabetic retinopathy and one called advanced diabetic retinopathy. Early diabetic retinopathy is also known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. There is usually mild blockage and swelling, but leaks can still occur, and you could develop an additional condition known as macular edema.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy, also known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, can lead to retinal scarring and detachment. It can also lead to additional conditions like glaucoma. You don't want any of these conditions, and you need to be very careful to preserve eye health.

Start Monitoring Now

If you have diabetes or are worried about your eye health in general, give Positive Eye Ons Optometry​​​​​​​ in the West Hollywood area a call at (323) 651-5646. Arrange to see an optometrist now so you can get a baseline evaluation for your eyes. The first step to maintaining your vision is prevention and early treatment.