Diabetic Evaluations
All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy. Retinopathy is the medical term for damage to the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish the retina, which is the tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and relays information to your brain. These blood vessels are often affected by the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Spots floating in your vision
- Blurred vision
- Dark streaks or a red film that blocks your vision
- Poor night vision
- Vision loss
It is recommended that everyone with diabetes get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age people in the United States. Working with your primary care physician to maintain normal blood sugar levels and controlling your diabetes minimizes the risk of complications from your condition.
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
The most effective way to prevent complications from diabetes is to control all of the risk factors associated with diabetes, such as obesity, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar levels. Since early detection of diabetic retinopathy can help to prevent blindness, yearly routine evaluations are recommended. If Dr. Militello finds on examination that you have developed changes in your retina due to diabetes, he will discuss your options depending on the progression of the changes. If treatment is needed, he can refer you to a qualified Retina Specialist for either laser or microsurgery to help prevent further vision loss.