Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic eye disease that occurs in the retina. Diabetes mellitus is the main cause of this particular condition, affecting about 80 percent of diabetic patients and is the leading source to vision loss and blindness. See how our Yakima optometrist can help protect your vision if you are suffering from diabetes.

How Diabetic Retinopathy Occurs

Diabetic eye disease occurs when abnormal glucose levels cause a change in the retina’s blood vessels. Some blood vessels can grow into the retina’s surface, while other vessels can swell and leak near the back of the eye. Abnormal blood vessels can lead to an insufficient supply of nutrients or oxygen to the eye. Diabetic retinopathy gradually worsens over time, progressing from mild visual problems to blindness.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

There may not be any warning signs in the early stages of this disease. Blurred vision is a common symptom patients report along with having difficulty reading or driving. Those with diabetic retinopathy might also experience double vision, eye floaters, spots, or eye pain.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

The longer a person has diabetes, the more they are at risk of developing this disease. However, maintaining a healthy blood glucose level can lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. You can reduce the chance of diabetic eye disease through the following measures:

• Test your blood sugar levels on a consistent basis.
• Take a dilated eye examination in order to detect this disease.
• Manage your diabetes through a combination of diet, exercise, insulin, and medicine.

How an Optometrist Treats Diabetic Eye Disease

This condition can be improved through laser eye surgery, a method used to fix abnormal blood vessel growth. Our eye doctor can also provide you with corticosteroid injections, anti-VEGF agents, or a vitrectomy. While diabetic retinopathy cannot be fully cured, it can be managed through these means and protect your eyes from vision loss.

Yakima Diabetic Eye Disease Can Provide Treatment

This condition can lead to serious vision loss, which is why our doctors recommend that you undergo annual eye examinations for early detection. If you are someone with diabetic eye disease in Yakima, Yakima Vision Center can help you with diagnosis and treatment. Please call us at 509-965-5200 to request an appointment or to learn more about diabetes and eye care.