Diabetes is the most common cause of vision loss under age 65. Yet the vision loss is almost 100% preventable. Diabetics are at risk for eye diseases that can greatly affect vision and health. Having regular dilated eye exams at least once a year is important for anyone battling diabetes.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetics are at high risk for diabetic retinopathy. This is an eye condition that causes the blood vessels in the eye to leak and grow abnormally. This condition is more prevalent in patients with poor long term sugar control whether treated or untreated. Most are asymptomatic initially. There are several possible symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, including blurred vision, floaters and intermittent vision loss.
Early Detection, Early Treatment
The earlier diabetic retinopathy is detected and diagnosed, the more treatment options there are. The outcomes are usually better too. There are medicines for, and laser treatments of the retina that can treat retinopathy well. However, if it goes untreated and undiagnosed for too long, it could lead to blindness that is irreversible.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Your Vision
You may not have any symptoms or signs of diabetic retinopathy that you can see or feel on your own without an eye doctor. The sad fact of the matter is that by the time your vision fails, it is often too late.
Dr. Mahootchi is a Type 1 diabetic himself for over 30 years. He has a special interest in preventing and treating diabetic eye disease. The practice has one of the very few yellow micropulse lasers in Florida which can be a safer procedure for most patients. We have used virtually all the medicines available to treat diabetic retinopathy thousands of times.
If you are diabetic and have not had an eye exam in over a year, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.