Diabetes and Your Eyes: Avoiding the Dangers of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body is unable to process it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that regulates the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood and is deficient in diabetic patients. Diabetes can affect children and adults and cause eye disease if not treated and well-controlled.
Diabetes Threatens Your Vision
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, but the diabetic effect on the retina is the main threat to vision. Most patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately 20 years. The effect of diabetes on the eye is called diabetic retinopathy. Over many years, small blood vessels weaken and cause bleeding and edema in the retina. The earliest phase of the disease is known as background diabetic retinopathy. In this phase, the arteries in the retina become weakened and leak, forming small, dot-like hemorrhages. These leaking vessels often lead to swelling or edema in the retina and decreased vision. The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, circulation problems cause areas of the retina to become oxygen-deprived or ischemic. New, fragile, vessels develop as the circulatory system attempts to maintain adequate oxygen levels within the retina and these vessels tend to bleed easily. Blood may leak into the retina and vitreous, causing spots or floaters, along with severe decreased vision. In the later phases of the disease, continued abnormal vessel growth and scar tissue may cause serious problems such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
The effect of diabetic retinopathy on vision varies widely, depending on the stage of the disease. Some common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are listed below, however, diabetes may cause other eye symptoms.- Blurred vision (this is often linked to blood sugar levels)
- "Floaters" and flashes
- Sudden loss of vision
Detecting and Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic patients require routine eye examinations so related eye problems can be detected and treated as early as possible. Most diabetic patients are frequently examined by an internist or endocrinologist who in turn work closely with the ophthalmologist. If you live in the Berkeley or Oakland area and are concerned you may have eye problems related to your diabetes, contact Dr. Breaux at our Pinole office at (510) 724-8100 or our Oakland office at (510) 655-6626 for a complete consultation. The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is made following a detailed examination of the retina with an ophthalmoscope. Most patients with diabetic retinopathy are referred to vitreo-retinal surgeons who specialize in treating this disease.Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy is performed using a sophisticated laser, applying small spots in the retina to stop vessel leakage and prevent further bleeding.Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
All Diabetics should have yearly eye exams with dilation to detect and monitor Diabetic Retinopathy and to prevent complications that can lead to blindness.If you have diabetes, and are concerned about the health of your eyes, we encourage you to call our Pinole office at (510) 724-8100 or our Oakland office at (510) 655-6626 to schedule your eye exam. With two locations within miles of San Francisco and Berkeley, Dr. Breaux is easily accessible to answer all your questions about how diabetes can affect your eyesight.
