Most people who have diabetes in the Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach County know that their eyes may be negatively affected by this condition. One of the issues that people often have is developing diabetic eye disease. All people with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, are at risk for this condition, so professionals, such as Retinal Eye Care Associates, recommend that all patients with diabetes get a comprehensive dilated eye exam a minimum of one time each year. Research shows that up to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some stage of diabetic eye disease during their life, so if at risk for diabetic eye disease in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach County it is important to get tested as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease
Often there are no symptoms of diabetic eye disease in the early stages of the condition, but people can still be diagnosed by getting a dilated eye exam. Once the disease has progressed, it is fairly common to have blurry vision or to see specs or “floaters” occur in the line of vision. These specs are actually blood, and it is important to see an eye care professional as soon as possible. Sometimes this goes away on it’s own, but bleeding can reoccur. If left untreated, blindness or severe vision loss may occur. It is also important to keep in mind that the symptoms associated with diabetic eye disease are the same symptoms that occur in other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts. In any case, it is imperative that a person sees an eye doctor.
The Treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease
When in the first stages of diabetic eye disease, usually no treatment is required, but it is important that people control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. If or when the disease progressives, laser surgery is usually don in order to shrink the blood vessels that are abnormal. A doctor may perform intraocular injections or place as many as 2,000 laser burns onto the surface of the retina in order to make the vessels shrink. Some people experience side vision loss due to this surgery, but many find it worth it in order to save their vision. Others may lose some of their night or color vision, too.
If you notice any loss of vision, blurriness or spots in the line of vision, and you suffer from diabetes, it is important to get your eyes tested as soon as possible. The sooner this condition is treated, the better the outcome will be.
For more information about treating diabetic eye disease in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach County contact Retinal Eye Care Associates at (800) 273-3005 or online, Retinaleyecare.com.
