Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis and Treatment from Your Jacksonville Optometrist
Diabetes is a worryingly common disease in the U.S., one that can cause lasting damage to many parts of the body -- including the eyes. Diabetic eye disease can cause blindness if it doesn't receive early treatment, but this disorder could already be harming your eyes without displaying any symptoms. That's why you need to make sure your eyes are in good shape and that any diabetic eye disease is addressed as quickly as possible. VAL-Uvision in Jacksonville, FL can serve as your home base for diabetic eye disease care.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a side effect of too much sugar in the blood. Under ideal circumstances, your body releases a hormone called insulin to regulate the level of sugar. But some people cannot produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar, while others have developed a resistance to the effects of insulin. In either case, the result is high blood sugar or diabetes.
Why is diabetes bad for the eyes? Too much sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels, and the eye contains a multitude of tiny, easily-damaged blood vessels. As the damaged blood vessels begin to leak fluid into the retina, the macula (which provides you with clear central vision) can swell up, distorting your eyesight. The retinal tissues may also begin to die due to lack of nourishment, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. The eye tries to compensate by creating a number of new blood vessels. But this proliferation of blood vessels just adds to the bleeding problem. The longer this condition goes untreated, the more likely it is to lead to blindness.
Eye Health Exams and Recommendations From Your Jacksonville Optometrist
Any Jacksonville optometrist at either of our Jacksonville locations can check for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy during a comprehensive eye health and vision exam. Your eye doctor will examine the inside of the eye to check for signs of retinal damage, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessel formation. If you have diabetes, the most important step you can take is to get your blood sugar under control. Your eye doctor can monitor your vision for any changes and recommend treatment options such as corrective lenses and drugs that curb the creation of new blood vessels. If you need more specialized care, we can refer you to a specialist.
Don't Leave Your Eyes at Risk -- Call Our Optometry Center for an Appointment
You only get one pair of eyes, so don't lose them to the ravages of diabetic eye disease. Call either of our optometry offices to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and vision test!