Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Retinopathy — Protecting Your Vision
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans. Annual dilated exams detect it before vision loss occurs — when treatment is most effective.
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Signs & Symptoms
- No symptoms in early stages
- Floaters — dark spots or strings in vision
- Blurred vision
- Dark areas in vision
- Difficulty with color vision
- Vision loss (advanced)
What Causes This?
- Elevated blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels
- Duration of diabetes — longer duration increases risk
- Poorly controlled blood sugar and blood pressure
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes both cause retinopathy
7.7M
Americans have diabetic retinopathy
95%
Severe vision loss preventable with treatment
Treatment Options
Blood Sugar and BP Control
Tight glycemic and blood pressure control is the most effective treatment for preventing progression.
Laser Photocoagulation
For proliferative diabetic retinopathy — laser seals leaking vessels.
Anti-VEGF Injections
For diabetic macular edema — Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin prevent central vision loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eye exam if my blood sugar is well controlled?
Yes — even well-controlled diabetics require annual dilated exams. Retinopathy can develop before blood sugar control deteriorates.
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Concerned About Your Eye Health?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Kentaro Yamada, M.D. at Hillcrest Eye Care.