Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can occur in people who have diabetes. It is a progressive damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels swell and leak, or close then stops the blood from passing through.

One of diabetes known effects is damage to the eyes. So, it is very important to have regular eye checkups when you have diabetes. Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center have the best eye doctor in Brooklyn. Contact us at Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms

Diabetic retinopathy doesn’t show symptoms at first, so finding it early on can help you make the necessary steps to help protect and prevent vision loss.

The early stages of this eye condition don’t manifest symptoms, but some people notice changes in their vision like having trouble reading and seeing objects from a distance. In the later stages of this eye condition, when the blood vessels in the retina start to swell and bleed, you may see dark spots floating, or cobweb-looking streaks. The dark spots may clear up on their own, but it is important to get them checked out by a medical practitioner as soon as possible.

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by having too much blood sugar due to diabetes. Having high blood sugar can damage your retina, this happens when the sugar blocks the tiny blood vessels cutting off the blood supply. As a result, your eyes will try to grow new blood vessels but will fail causing the new blood vessels to leak easily.

Prevention

Managing your diabetes is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Keep your blood sugar level at bay and in the healthy range. You should also keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.

If you notice any changes to your vision, it is best to get medical advice as quickly as possible. You could also maintain a healthy weight, balanced diet, stay active and quit smoking so you could reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Everyone with diabetes that are over 12 years old is recommended to undergo a regular eye screening due to the risk of developing eye diseases caused by diabetes. This screening is very helpful because it can detect problems in your eyes before they even start to affect your vision.

Diagnosis

Eye conditions brought about by diabetes can cause permanent blindness if not properly diagnosed and not treated right.

The screening test involves examining the back of the eyes and taking a photograph. Your next appointment will depend on the result if you need to attend to more regular appointments and discuss a more detailed treatment plan with a specialist or just continue with the yearly appointment.

Treatment is only necessary if the screening detects an abnormality in your eyes and your vision is at risk. Although if it is not yet at this stage, managing your diabetes is highly recommended.

Scheduling a regular eye checkup is beneficial for you and your family, to keep your eyes healthy and to prevent diabetic retinopathy to develop. At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center, our eye doctors can do a retinal evaluation. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com.