Are You Suffering From Diabetic Retinopathy?

Are You Suffering From Diabetic Retinopathy?

Are You Suffering From Diabetic Retinopathy?

Are You Suffering From Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness over time if left untreated. Individuals suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this eye condition. If you have diabetes and suspect you may be suffering from diabetic retinopathy, our ophthalmologists at Reeve Woods Eye Center in Chico can perform an in-depth evaluation to determine if you have this eye disease and provide treatment options as needed.
 

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy, which is also known as diabetic eye disease, affects the retina which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. With diabetic retinopathy, tiny blood vessels in your retina can swell or leak fluid under the retina. The leakage can cause new abnormal blood vessels to grow on the surface of your retina.

The advancement and severity of diabetic retinopathy depend on how well you control your diabetes and how long you have had the condition. You are much more likely to develop this condition if you have both diabetes and high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure creates a much higher risk for severe damage to the small blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your retina.

People with type I diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than those with type II diabetes, but it is still a problem for both groups. In the early stages of this eye disease, you may not notice any symptoms. Unfortunately, as your diabetic retinopathy worsens, you are more likely to experience vision loss, especially if you do not monitor your condition or receive treatment.
 

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is associated with several symptoms, but the most common symptom of this eye disease is the gradual loss of vision. Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Seeing flashes or floaters

  • Halos around lights

  • Loss of side (peripheral) vision

  • Blurred vision, which can make it difficult to see at night
     

Contact Reeve Woods Eye Center for Diabetic Retinopathy Management

Our eye surgeons will recommend treatment options for diabetic retinopathy based on the severity of your eye disease, your vision needs, and how well you respond to the therapy. Treatment may involve medication injected in the back of your eye or laser surgery to block abnormal blood vessel growth. If you live in or around Chico and would like to know more about our eye care services, call our team today at (530) 899-2244 to schedule an appointment at Reeve Woods Eye Center.

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