Diabetes and your eyes
Diabetes is a disease that can cause many problems in the body, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina) in your eyes. It is a leading cause of preventable blindness in the adult population.
Diabetes can damage and weaken the blood vessels in the light sensitive layer which is known as the retina. The retina is the delicate layer of blood vessels and light sensitive cells at the back of the eye. The images we see are formed on the retina, converted into electrical impulses and then pass from the retina to the brain along the optic nerve.
In the early stages, this damage can cause blurred vision and as it progresses you may notice blind spots, floaters and serious visual loss. Sometimes diabetic changes can be well advanced before symptoms are noticed. If left untreated diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Visique Eastland Eyecare Optometrists are highly trained to detect any changes in the blood vessels of the retina. If you or anyone in you family has a history of diabetes it is important to have a regular eye examination.
