Did you know that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and that diabetes can affect the eyes? Dr. Beth Hart-Carlock, an optometrist at Central Family Eyecare in Oklahoma City, FL diagnoses and treats many conditions, including diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy causes changes in the blood vessels on the retina. The retina is the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the eye that signals light. When the retina is damaged by diabetes, blur and even sight loss can occur. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults in the United States. Excellent control of diabetes and yearly eye exams reduce the risk of vision loss from diabetic eye disease.
Changes in the Diabetic Retina
Diabetic retinopathy causes the tiniest blood vessels (capillaries) to change. These blood vessels can balloon out, or develop microaneurysms. Then, the vessels break, leading to small hemorrhages in the retina. The capillaries might also leak a yellowish material. These yellow deposits are called exudates. Fluid from leaky blood vessels may also build up underneath the retina, causing a condition called macular edema. This swelling can cause mild to severe blur.
(Source: Allaboutvision.com)
In serious cases, the retina will send signals to the blood vessels that it needs more oxygen. The capillaries try to grow new branches to the places that need the oxygen. This is called proliferative retinopathy. Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are extremely fragile. They break easily and cause bleeding inside the eye. This causes swelling, changes in vision, and scarring. In the worst cases, the scarring can cause the retina to detach, causing loss of sight that can be permanent.
Who Can Develop Diabetic Retinopathy?
Anyone who has diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. It can happen with both insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Some groups have a greater risk of diabetic eye disease, however. These people include:
· People with a fasting glucose over 120
· Patients with a hemoglobin A1c over 6.5%
· Those who have had diabetes longer than five years
· Patients with blood pressure above 130/85
· Pregnant women who had diabetes before pregnancy
People who are at higher risk can lower their chances of developing diabetic retinopathy by keeping their blood sugar, A1c, and blood pressure in the normal range.
Regular Eye Examinations Are Essential
Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes should have an eye examination as soon possible after the initial diagnosis. Dr. Beth Hart-Carlock, an Oklahoma City, OK eye doctor, sees diabetics at least once a year for routine screening for diabetic eye disease. Patients with diabetic retinopathy may need more frequent examinations.
Women who are diabetic prior to becoming pregnant should see their optometrist as soon as possible after learning they are pregnant. Diabetic women may need examinations more frequently during pregnancy.
Researchers have recommended that all diabetics test their blood sugars regularly. Maintaining tight control of blood sugar reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, contact Dr. Beth Hart-Carlock at Central Family Eyecare today to schedule your eye examination. Early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy can prevent blindness.
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