Diabetes can have a devastating effect on your vision. Central Florida residence suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk for developing several vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damages the blood vessels in the retina. Unfortunately, diabetic eye disease has little to no warning signs in the beginning. Symptoms for advanced stages include blurry vision, black spots in vision, loss of central vision when you drive or read, and inability to see colors.
The National Eye Institute describes the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
“In its early stages, has no symptoms. The disease begins to damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing layer of tissue in the back of the eye, causing them to leak fluid and blood. As the disease progresses, blood vessels become blocked and rupture or new vessels grow on the retina, leading to permanent and sometimes profound vision loss.”
With early detection and proper treatment, chances are you can greatly reduce vision loss and even blindness from diabetic eye disease. Though there is no cure for vision loss from diabetic retinopathy, there are currently low vision aids to help improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. For adults between the ages 20 and 74, the leading cause of blindness is diabetes.
Regardless of your physical well being or your age, routine eye exams are vital to healthy eyes. Many eye diseases can threaten more than just our vision, they can affect our overall well-being. During an eye exam Dr. Ward and the Team at Lake Nona Eye Care do much more than just establish your prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses. A compressive exam will include checking for eye diseases and other issues leading to vision loss.
Don’t put if off any longer, schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with Lake Nona Eye Care or call us at 407-658-9990