Though diabetic retinopathy is one of several eye diseases, it is the most common cause of vision loss and blindness among working-age adults. This condition damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak and warp your vision. The good news is that diabetic retinopathy can be prevented with early detection and proper diabetes management.
In honor of Diabetic Eye Disease Month this November, Nevada Eye Physicians is taking every opportunity to educate patients about diabetic retinopathy symptoms and prevention. Learn how to stop diabetic retinopathy by contacting our offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, or Pahrump, NV. We can provide comprehensive treatment options for you.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. When diabetes raises your blood sugar, it damages the blood vessels located in the retina. This is what leads to vision loss and eventually blindness. When found and treated early, most patients can preserve their eyesight. So, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, we highly encourage you to visit an eye specialist annually or as directed. Nevada Eye Physicians can evaluate you for diabetic retinopathy symptoms.
Early signs of diabetic retinopathy
Unfortunately, some early signs of diabetic retinopathy go undetected at first. As your condition progresses, diabetic retinopathy symptoms may include the following:
- Spots floating in your vision (floaters)
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Impaired color vision
- Blurry vision
- Vision loss
Call Nevada Eye Physicians in Las Vegas, NV right away if you have sudden blurry vision or feel pain or pressure in your eyes.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
The best way to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy is through an examination at our office. After Nevada Eye Physicians takes your full medical history, one of our professionals will dilate your eyes using special drops. This allows us to search for anything unusual, including abnormalities in the blood vessels. If we do detect signs of diabetic retinopathy, we will provide information and resources for moving forward.
How to stop diabetic retinopathy
Learning to live with vision loss is challenging. The best way to stop diabetic retinopathy is to successfully manage your diabetes. Begin by keeping your blood sugar at an appropriate level with the help of your primary health care provider. They may advise you to drink plenty of water and incorporate nutritious meals into your diet. We also ask patients to quit smoking as soon as possible to keep their blood vessels healthy.
Diabetic retinopathy treatment options
There is currently no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, there are many options to prevent or slow down vision loss. Laser procedures can seal leaking blood vessels while getting rid of abnormal ones. Anti-inflammatory medication can also shrink damaged blood vessels in the retina. When you meet with one of the experts at Nevada Eye Physicians, we can create a custom treatment plan for you.
Schedule an assessment during Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Nevada Eye Physicians hopes to provide exceptional service to each patient who walks through our doors. This is why we only use the most advanced diagnostic technology and treatments possible. If you want to learn about diabetic retinopathy during Diabetic Eye Disease Month, schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, or Pahrump, NV. We give your vision the attention and care it deserves.
