According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. November has been declared Diabetic Eye Disease Month to educate individuals about the connection between diabetes and vision impairment.
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? It is important to determine how this condition will affect your eye health. Nevada Eye Physicians is proud to offer a variety of resources in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite, Henderson, and Pahrump, NV. Learn about diabetic retinopathy and treatment options by scheduling an appointment.
How diabetes causes vision impairment
Diabetes is a common health condition that raises your blood sugar. Over time, excess sugar damages blood vessels throughout the body. This includes the small blood vessels located in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina do not function properly or receive the necessary nutrients to function. While some people do not have symptoms until severe retinal damage has occurred, it is normal to experience blurry vision or even blindness in the final stages.
How do I prevent diabetic eye disease?
The most important aspect of diabetic retinopathy is keeping your blood sugar at consistently healthy levels. If you have diabetes, we strongly advise meeting with your primary care doctor to manage your condition. They may recommend solutions like eating healthy and exercising. You also need to check your blood sugar levels and take any prescription medications as necessary. Improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels are also beneficial for controlling diabetes and preventing diabetic retinopathy.
Nevada Eye Physicians suggests scheduling an annual or biannual examination so we can check for signs of eye conditions in Las Vegas. This is because diabetes can lead to a host of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. During Diabetic Eye Disease Month, we want to prevent any circumstances that can lead to impaired vision and blindness. When eye diseases are caught early on, we can preserve your eyesight. If you have not had an eye exam this year, call us to schedule your appointment.
Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy
Nevada Eye Physicians treats diabetic eye disease in different ways. Corticosteroids may be given to alleviate symptoms, such as swelling and inflammation. These medications are usually injected into the eye. Advanced laser treatment can also target and burn damaged blood vessels, which prevents them from leaking and causing further damage. Anti-VEGF drugs also block a certain protein that causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which also leak fluid. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, our staff can reduce your overall risk of vision loss.
Observe Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Nevada Eye Physicians is proud to provide leading care for patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. During Diabetic Eye Disease Month, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive assessment in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite, Henderson, or Pahrump, NV. When certain eye conditions cause vision impairment or even blindness, our trusted team members can help. We truly enjoy assisting patients by providing care with compassion and empathy.
