Diabetic retinopathy (leaky blood vessels in the
retina due to diabetes) is the leading cause of
blindness in the US for the ages between 25 and
74. It
affects over 5 million Americans. (Statistics
from the National Eye Institute.)
Diabetics with well-controlled glucose levels
should have a dilated eye examination yearly to
monitor for diabetic retinopathy.
Those with poorly controlled levels may
be seen more frequently.
Poor control of diabetes can lead to visual
fluctuations due to the swelling of the lens in
the eye.
Complications from diabetes:
-
Diabetic retinopathy – blood vessels in the
retina leak.
Detection early is key.
If
left undetected, retinopathy can
eventually lead to irreversible vision loss.
-
Macular edema – fluid leaks into the macula,
which is the central part of your vision
which
can attain the best visual acuity.
Fluid in the macula distorts vision,
sometimes dramatically.