Diabetic eye disease, a cluster of eye conditions prevalent in individuals with diabetes, encompasses diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. The most predominant among these is diabetic retinopathy, impacting 5.3 million Americans aged eighteen and older. Diabetic retinopathy is a sight-threatening condition where the blood vessels in the retina, located at the back of the eye, sustain damage due to elevated blood sugar levels linked to diabetes.
The damage results in leakage from the blood vessels and poor blood flow. In some cases, abnormal blood vessel growth is stimulated, leading to bleeding within the eye and even retinal detachment. All of these factors may cause severe vision loss and even blindness.
While the root cause of diabetes remains elusive, a combination of genetic and environmental influences, including obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle, seem to contribute to its development. Early diagnosis of diabetes and, most importantly, maintaining strict control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication can help to reduce your risk of developing eye diseases associated with diabetes.
The initial stage in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Here, blood vessel disease can lead to bleeding within the eye, formation of tiny abnormal outpouchings of vessel walls known as microaneurysms, and retinal swelling known as macular edema. Macular edema results from the leakage of fluids directly through the abnormal blood vessel walls into the retinal tissue. It is the most common cause of visual loss in this stage of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of this leakage can frequently be remedied through suitable laser therapy, aiding in the preservation and potential enhancement of central vision.
An advanced phase of diabetic retinopathy involves the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. These abnormal blood vessels are dangerous because they can lead to bleeding within the eye, severe forms of glaucoma, and even retinal detachment. All of which can lead to rapid and permanent loss of vision. When diabetic eye disease advances to this stage, laser treatment is needed to halt the damage. Multiple laser treatments over time are sometimes necessary.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and The American Diabetes Association recommend a yearly dilated eye examination once you are diagnosed with diabetes. At East West Eye Institute, our skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing diabetic eye disease. It’s crucial to note that treatment for this condition can only be provided by an Eye MD (ophthalmologist).
Laser treatment has been shown to reduce the chance of severe vision loss and blindness in diabetic retinopathy. This surgery does not cure diabetic retinopathy, nor does it usually restore vision that has already been lost. Still, it can help prevent future vision loss, mainly if diabetes or blood pressure is controlled.
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against loss of vision. You can significantly lower your risk of vision loss by maintaining strict blood sugar control and visiting the ophthalmologists and optometrists at the East West Eye Institute.
Discover exceptional expertise and compassionate care at East West Eye Institute, the top choice for vision care in Ventura County, serving the community for over three decades.
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Our team of board-certified physicians and dedicated staff is prepared and enthusiastic to attend to your healthcare requirements in a warm, family-centered setting.
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