The Low Down On Eye Health: Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a relevant health concern in our nation today.  Many more American’s are being diagnosed including many right here in Indiana.  Did you know that a common symptom of diabetes affects our eyes and eyesight?  Diabetic retinopathy is a vision robbing disease and symptom of diabetes. It occurs when high amounts of blood sugar clog and damage blood vessels in the retina damaging our vision according to Allaboutvision.com. 

According to the America Diabetes Association 20% of adults with diabetes have retinopathy or have their eyes affected by blindness.  This is a growing statistic that can be prevented with yearly eye examinations by an Indiana eye doctor like Dr. Tavel and his board certified associates.  Symptoms of those with diabetic retinopathy according to Allaboutvision.com are

-fluctuating vision caused by uncontrolled blood sugar
-eye floaters and spots
-development of a blind spot or shadow in your field of view
-blurry and/or distorted vision
-corneal abnormalities such as slow healing of wounds due to corneal abrasions
-double vision
-eye pain
-near vision problems unrelated to presbyopia
-cataracts

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as these schedule an eye examination.  Visiting an Indiana eye care center will ensure your eyes are healthy and not prone to diabetic retinopathy or other diseases.  Diabetes can even be preliminary diagnosed through an eye examination.

Each year in Indiana 135 new cases of legal blindness are reported due to diabetic retinopathy according to figures released by the American Diabetes Association.  Some of these cases could decrease with the proper eye care and overall vigilance of health.  Don’t let diabetes ruin your eyesight or vision…this is the low down on diabetic retinopathy!

See how much diabetes is growing where you live with this interactive MAP