Diabetic eye disease is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. It is a condition that can affect anyone but is common among people with uncontrolled diabetes and those older than 60 years. Diabetic eye disease damages blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid and leave scars on the retina. If you have diabetes and have problems with your vision, contact a diabetic eye disease San Antonio specialist to receive effective treatment. Below are five common vision issues that can develop due to diabetic eye disease.
- Vision Loss
Diabetic eye disease causes damage to the blood vessels in your retina responsible for proper eyesight. When these blood vessels block or leak fluid, it can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. The extent of vision loss depends on how severe your diabetic retinopathy is and the damage it has caused over time. However, if caught early, the effects of diabetic eye disease can be reversed, but there is no guarantee your vision might improve significantly.
- Light Sensitivity
If you have diabetes and begin to experience sensitivity to light or glare, it could be a sign of diabetic eye disease. Glare can be caused by blood in your eye or a detached retina. Diabetic eye disease also leads to poor blood circulation around the eye, making you sensitive to light. Talk with your doctor to determine the best solution for your symptoms.
- Night Blindness
If you have diabetes and cannot see in the dark, it may be a sign of diabetic eye disease. Night blindness is caused by the retina not being able to sense light. It is also a common symptom among people with uncontrolled diabetes. You might begin seeing flashes at night or floaters, which might interfere with your overall eyesight. Night blindness due to diabetic eye disease might progress to temporary blindness if not treated.
- Seeing spots or floaters
Floaters are bits of protein that float in your eye’s vitreous humor. They can be small and harmless, or they can be large and numerous. If you have floaters that interfere with your vision, you may notice them when you look at something bright that might appear dark. If you have diabetes and see floaters for the first time, you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your eyesight.
- Eye Redness
Diabetic eye disease can lead to pink or red eyes. It can be a temporary condition that goes away on its own after a few days. Redness in your eyes can make you not see clearly and cause discomfort, especially during the day. If not treated, it can lead to infection and advance to a serious eye condition known as conjunctivitis, which is also caused by high blood sugar. If you have diabetic eye disease and have pink or red eye symptoms, your doctor might advise using artificial tears, which keep your eyes moist and clear.
If you have diabetes, it is essential to know that vision issues might result from diabetic eye disease. If you have concerns about your vision, visit an eye doctor metairie la from Alamo Eye Care to prevent severe vision issues. You will also receive guidance on effectively managing and balancing sugar levels to lower your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Call today or schedule an appointment online to begin treatment.
