Did you know that Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness? Did you know that even with good control you can still develop diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is bleeding inside the eye which can lead to vision loss and potential blindness. Did you know that Diabetes can also cause the development of cataracts and glaucoma too?

Diabetic retinopathy is the swelling and leaking of blood or fluid from the blood vessels in the retina, the nerve lining the back of your eye. Often the patient will experience no symptoms until the disease is advanced. The main late symptom is loss of central vision. Loss of central vision could compromise your ability to read, watch TV and/or drive a car.

Being diabetic is a risk factor for the early development of cataract and glaucoma. Both conditions are vision threatening if left undiagnosed and/or uncontrolled.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics are at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Over 40% of diabetics have some form of diabetic eye change. At higher risk are those with elevated A1C and elevated blood sugars. High cholesterol and high blood pressure that is uncontrolled can also contribute to causing diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision.

If you are diabetic, it is imperative that you have an annual medical eye health evaluation with a dilated eye exam and follow the recommendations of your primary care provider or endocrinologist.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Wyomissing Optometric Center.