Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition that changes the way your body processes blood sugar. Someone who is diagnosed with diabetes is more likely to develop complications such as prediabetes, paraesthesia, and diabetic eye disease.

If you are experiencing blurry vision, increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or mood swings, then you should check in with your local optometrist to test for this eye condition. Eyecare Professionals with locations in Washburn, Hazen, and Mandan, ND, is here to help.

Diabetic eye disease develops as a result of damage to the blood vessels. When a person is living with poor blood sugar control for long periods, that situation can lead to damage of the blood vessels located within the eyes.

During the early stages of this condition, the person may notice a loss of vision, trouble reading, and difficulty seeing faraway objects. In later stages of diabetic retinopathy, the person may see dark spots, floaters, or streaks that appear to be cobwebs.

If left untreated, this disease can worsen over time, possibly leading to blindness. Those who have symptoms of this eye condition should schedule an appointment for an eye exam to see if they need treatment. 

Diabetic eye disease is somewhat common, with about 1 in 15 diabetic people developing this condition. Essentially, everyone who is diabetic is at risk of developing the disease. The first step to treatment is to seek a diagnosis, usually through an eye screening from a certified eye health professional. Once a diagnosis is made, the eye doctor will offer the patient a set of options for treatment. 

There are a variety of treatment options available, from topical medications to laser surgery. Common eye care management treatments include corticosteroids and vitrectomy. Your doctor will likely suggest the best treatment plan for your specific situation. 

Are you a North Dakota resident in need of eye care? At Eyecare Professionals, we treat a wide range of eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. You can schedule a health screening and then receive treatment from one of our qualified eye care professionals.

We will make sure to tailor the visit to your needs. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at one of our locations, give us a call at (701)-462-8636 (Washburn), (701)-748-6533 (Hazen), or (701)-663-2020 (Mandan). Our staff members look forward to caring for your condition.