Need To Visit a Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor
You may be alarmed at being diagnosed with diabetes and rightly so! This is a silent killer! Not only will the excessive blood glucose levels rob you of life but you are sure to experience many difficulties over time. From the kidneys to the liver and heart each organ will be weakened as the lifestyle condition advances bit by bit. Be extremely careful about your vision too. You may end up developing Diabetic Retinopathy in the long run as well. The best way to understand the associated facts and learn about effective management is to consult an experienced Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor who would be sure to advise you about the next steps.
Worrying Symptoms
You will not be equipped to make a diagnosis when you happen to be a layperson. However, it is prudent to visit an eye doctor urgently when you develop any of the following symptoms that seem to worsen with each passing day:
- Floaters (spots or string-like images seen when trying to view objects)
- Blurred vision
- Vision keeps fluctuating
- Apart from the vision field being dark and empty
- Weak vision and gradual loss of vision
What does a Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor do?
You may not be aware of the seriousness at first. However, do visit your regular eye doctor and get your sight examined regularly. The ophthalmologist is sure to refer you to a specialist adept at treating patients with severe diabetes. While the condition may not be treated completely yet you learn how to manage it effectively thanks to the specialist doctor.
You may suddenly develop diabetes when you are pregnant. Known as gestational diabetes, the eye doctor will advise you about eye care and vision management throughout pregnancy.
Moreover, you would be well advised to get your eyes examined at least once a year when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Risk Factors
Be wary of the following factors that may affect your eyes and weaken your vision gradually. It is important to be in touch with the ophthalmologist regularly when you reply yes to any or all of the following:
- Severe Diabetes that persisted for a long time
- Poor control of blood glucose levels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Use of tobacco products
- You are of African American, Hispanic, or Native Indian descent
Complications Observed
Diabetic retinopathy results in the development of abnormal blood vessels within the retina. This usually leads to several complications namely the following:-
- Retinal detachment– The abnormal blood vessels give rise to scar tissue that pulls at the retina moving it away from its position. This may cause flashes of light, floaters, and partial vision loss
- Vitreous hemorrhage– the blood vessels will bleed into the eye cavity filling it with blood. A small amount may make you view dark spots while more blood may block your vision completely.
- Glaucoma– The eye pressure may build up slowly due to the development of blood vessels in the retina. This causes glaucoma that is untreatable but can be managed effectively.
A combination of all the factors may result in partial or complete blindness. A Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor will be able to help you manage the condition effectively thus enabling you to lead a normal life.
