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.
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