Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

More than 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 88 million have prediabetes. Given the serious nature of this disease and the danger it poses to your eyes, it is important that you learn as much as you can about diabetic retinopathy. At Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Springs, GA, our optometrist can detect diabetic retinopathy and provide options to manage the condition and preserve your vision.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

This is a common disease that is one of the main causes of blindness in adults. Blood vessels in the retina are damaged by high sugar levels in the blood. When the blood vessels are damaged, they can leak, which causes blurred vision and other vision impairments.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

There are quite a few symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, but they can vary from case to case. Some of the most common are:

• Blurring of vision
• Spots or flashes
• Blind spots and distortion
• Difficulty reading or doing detailed work

The best way to have the condition diagnosed is to get a comprehensive eye exam from our eye doctor. You should have an exam within 5 years of being diagnosed with any type of diabetes, and then get routine exams.

Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?

There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but the condition can be managed if the proper care is taken. Early detection is vital in managing the condition.

What is the treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

In the early stages, the best treatment is keeping your blood sugar under control. Our optometrist will need to monitor your condition with an exam, sometimes as often as every 2 months. In the later stages, injections may be recommended. They are done directly into the eye to inhibit the growth of blood vessels. A laser treatment known as photocoagulation may also be used in conjunction with the injections. Surgery to remove blood is also a treatment.

Visit Our Sandy Springs, GA Optometrist for Diabetic Retinopathy Management

If you have diabetes, it is vital to get routine eye exams. At Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Springs, GA, our optometrist can diagnose conditions like diabetic retinopathy early and provide ways to manage them. Call us today to schedule an appointment.