Diabetic Retinopathy FAQ IN Florence, SC

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the more common conditions patients with diabetes suffer from. If you have diabetic retinopathy, you may have questions about your condition. This overview from Harrington Vision Center in Downtown and West Florence, SC, will answer some of the most common questions about diabetic retinopathy. We hope this information helps you better understand your condition and how to treat it.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can happen if you have diabetes. It occurs when the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision, become damaged. Diabetic retinopathy could lead to increased vision loss or even blindness.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. High sugar levels in the blood often cause this damage. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to leak or bleed. This can cause various vision problems.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are virtually no symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, you may notice:

• Blurry vision
• Floaters (tiny spots or strings in your vision)
• Flashes of light
• Difficulty seeing at night

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see our eye doctors right away.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Diabetic retinopathy is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Our optometrists will look for signs of damage to the blood vessels in your retina. We may also take pictures of your retina to look for changes. For proper eye care it's important to have routine exams, especially if you have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes or other health-related concerns.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser surgery. This surgery can slow or stop the progression of the disease. In some cases, it can even improve your vision. If the disease has progressed, you may need advanced surgery to remove the damaged tissue from your retina. Surgery can improve vision and prevent further damage to the retina.

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

Preventing diabetic retinopathy is done with lifestyle changes, including monitoring your blood sugar. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking your diabetes medication as prescribed. In addition, if you have diabetes, it's important to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.

Make an Appointment with Our Optometrists in Florence 

Our team of professionals can help treat an array of eye health issues, including diabetic retinopathy. If you have further questions or need to make an appointment, get in touch with us at Harrington Vision Center today.