Early Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy

Your optometrist in Burleson, TX, offers a diabetic exam for diabetic retinopathy. Like other diseases, early detection plays a large role in positive outcomes. You can request a diabetic exam at any time simply by contacting Vision Plaza. But it’s also helpful to know that diabetic retinopathy doesn’t happen quickly. It progresses slowly over time, and plenty of early signs indicate that this may be happening to your eyes. Here are some things you can look out for at home:

Sparkles in Vision

Sparkles look like little flashes of bright light, and they’re a common early sign of developing diabetic retinopathy, even if they are temporary.

Poor Night Vision

If you notice that it’s harder to see at night or that it takes longer for your eyes to adjust when the lighting changes to dark, you should get a diabetic eye exam.

Temporary Blindness

In rare instances, a person may experience fleeting, temporary blindness. This is a frightening symptom that you should pay attention to since it’s an early sign of diabetic retinopathy.

Blurry Vision

Even if you need corrective eyewear, you may notice increased blurry vision or problems with your eye prescription no longer working as it should. Increased blurry vision is a common early sign of diabetic retinopathy and shouldn’t be ignored.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Certain risk factors make it more likely that a person will develop diabetic retinopathy as time goes on. Knowing these risk factors and possibly avoiding them may improve your odds of escaping this sight-threatening disease. Risk factors include:

excess alcohol consumption
obesity
unmanaged diabetes
poorly controlled high blood pressure
chronic high cholesterol
fewer doctor and optometric visits
excess sugar consumption
low-nutrient diet

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection through regular eye exams allows for timely treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of blindness. Treatments may include more effective blood sugar management, laser treatment, medication injected into the eyes, or surgery in more advanced cases. These interventions aim to stop or slow the progression of damage to the retina.

Have you noticed any of the early signs of diabetic retinopathy listed above? If so, you should get a diabetic exam in Burleson, TX, as soon as possible. Contact Vision Plaza today to book an appointment.