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When diabetes damages the retina it is called “Diabetic Retinopathy.” This condition is the number 1 cause of “bilateral blindness” (blindness of both eyes) in Americans aged 20 to 65.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Type 2 (Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
- Type of Diabetes (1 or 2)
- Duration of Diabetes – the longer you have diabetes, the more likely damage is to occur
- Poor Blood sugar control raises the risk for Diabetic Retinopathy and blindness
- Poor Blood Pressure control raises the risk for Diabetic Retinopathy and blindness
- Pregnancy, especially if it is complicated by poor blood sugar control, pre-eclampsia, or fluid imbalance.
- Kidney disease
What the eye doctor sees when Diabetic Retinopathy is present
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| Findings #1 through #4 |
Finding #5 |
- Small aneurysm (out-pouchings) of the retinal blood vessels
- Small spots of blood on the retina
- Areas of diminished blood flow in the retina which are called “cotton wool spots”
- Swelling of the retina
- Abnormal blood vessels growing on the optic nerve and retina which can…
- Bleed into the center of the eye, causing blindness
- Detach the retina, causing blindness
Three things you should know
- Maintaining good blood sugar control significantly reduces the risk of damage to your retinas from diabetes.
- Maintaining good blood pressure control significantly reduces the risk of damage to your retinas from diabetes.
- Blood sugar can be monitored by checking it at home and by having a lab test called "Hemoglobin A1C".
Talk to your doctor about
- A diet appropriate for your diabetes.
- An exercise program for your diabetes.
- Your ideal body weight range.
- Keeping your blood pressure and Hemoglobin A1C in the normal range.
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