Diabetes and Eye Health

Posted by fortworth on December 30th, 2014

Diabetes, a chronic disease defined by high levels of sugar in the blood, can result in a variety of ancillary conditions that can greatly impact a patient’s health. Many people don’t realize that diabetes is actually quite often linked to an eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy - making it incredibly important for those who suffer from diabetes to commit to regular eye screenings.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the retina’s blood vessels. The first stage of this disease is called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Blood vessels that have been damaged in the retina begin to leak small amounts of fluid into the eye itself. In some cases, that fluid can contain small amounts of blood, fats, and cholesterol from the bloodstream. The most common changes that occur in the eye with the onset of diabetic retinopathy include bulges in the retinal blood vessels known as microaneurysms, spots of blood that leak into the retina itself known as retinal hemorrhages, swelling of the macula - which is responsible for clear central vision - known as macular edema which can result in vision loss, and the closing of blood vessels known as macular ischemia which causes blurred vision.

As diabetic retinopathy develops, the later stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy during which blood vessels begin to grow abnormally on the surface of the optic nerve or retina. This happens because other blood vessels begin to close and the retina grows new blood vessels in a natural response to supply the area with blood. This abnormal growth can cause bleeding known as vitreous hemorrhage during which the new blood vessels bleed into the center of the eye, retinal detachment, and even neovascular glaucoma that can severely damage the optic nerve.

Diabetes is important to manage for a variety of reasons and eye health is one of them. Take the time to have eye screenings on a regular basis to protect your eyes and your healthy vision.

About Author

The physicians at Ophthalmology Associates have offered eye care services in Fort Worth, HEB, Weatherford, and Granbury for over 40 years. For more information call us at (817) 332-2020 or Contact Us Online to request an appointment by simply filling out the on-line form.  It's a beautiful world; you deserve to see it well!