What Is Diabetic Retinopathy and How Do You Prevent It?

Regular blood sugar check-ups or using self-test kits can help you avoid the risks of diabetes. One major risk associated with diabetes is the development of diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the blood vessels in your retina, causing them to swell and resulting in blurred vision.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. If you've noticed recent changes in your vision and are seeking help, an eye test and treatment at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte can improve your eye health. Read on to learn more about diabetic retinopathy.

How to Identify Diabetic Retinopathy

In its initial stages, diabetic retinopathy does not exhibit any symptoms. Changes in your vision become noticeable as the condition worsens. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, consider getting an eye check-up from our optometrist:

• Faded colors
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty seeing distant objects
• Dark streaks in your vision

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition is prevalent in people with diabetes, especially those with poor blood sugar control. However, you may be at a greater risk of developing this condition if:

• You are a heavy smoker
• You have high blood pressure
• You have high cholesterol levels

Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy

When you visit our clinic with signs of this condition, our optometrist will perform an eye exam, which begins with the dilation of the pupil using eye drops. This allows for a better view inside your eyes. Our optometry specialist will examine problems such as detached retina, optical nerve abnormalities, and damaged blood vessels when the eyes are dilated. We also use vision exams like Fluorescein Angiography, where our optometrist injects a specially formulated dye into your arm and takes a picture of the retina as the dye circulates.

How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

You can take several steps to reduce your chances of developing this condition. Here are a few recommendations from our professionals:

1. Get an Eye Exam Annually: Diabetic retinopathy can take time to show symptoms. Therefore, the best way to catch and address the problem early is by having a vision exam every year.

2. Minimize Your Salt Intake: Excessive salt consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure. To reduce your salt intake, consider substituting it with herbs and spices.

3. Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels: Failure to control your blood sugar level may lead to diabetic retinopathy. Regularly check your blood sugar levels using a glucose monitor, especially if you have diabetes.

Contact Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC

Diabetic retinopathy can quickly cause severe symptoms that may lead to blindness if left untreated. Seek timely eye examination and treatment at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne. Are you looking for an eye doctor near me? Call our team today at 704-541-5500 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.