November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month

November 2, 2018 By 0 Comments

Early treatment can protect against vision loss, cataracts, glaucoma, and more.

The most common cause of blindness in diabetics is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina swell, leak, close off, or abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. If you have diabetes, be sure to schedule regular eye exams, so we can look for signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and treat it quickly. Treatments often work well if you begin them right away.

There are many important steps that you can take to lower your risk of diabetic eye problems. Control of your blood sugar levels lowers the risk of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Blood pressure control is critical since high blood pressure can make eye problems worse. And last and most important, visit your eye doctor on a regular basis! Many recommend that diabetics have a thorough eye exam by an eye doctor at least once a year.  It’s especially important to visit us should you develop:

  • blurry and/or double vision
  • spots or floaters in your eyesight
  • eye pain
  • other concerning symptoms

And remember, many of the problems that occur with diabetes and the eyes can have no symptoms, so please be sure to call us at 303-321-1578 and schedule a comprehensive eye examination with dilation every year.