Diabetic eye problems
or what you don't see can hurt you.
Diabetic eye problems are really a grouping of eye problems that diabetics may face because of un-controlled blood sugars. All of them can cause vision loss or possibly blindness. I will discuss the most common which is Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, where they may leak fluid or swell. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. A healthy retina is primary for clear and sharp vision.
There are 4 phases of diabetic retinopathy :
Mild Nonporliferative - in its earliest stage, very small lesions appear on the retina. Moderate Nonproliferative - some of the blood vessels in the retina become blocked. Severe Nonproliferative - larger amounts of vessels are blocked and the blood supply from them is impaired to the Retina. Proliferative - Your retina sends a message to your body that it is starving and new blood vessels are built. However, the new vessels are weak and or abnormal in structure. These will grow next to the retina, and because of their weakened state may leak. This is what causes the severe vision loss or blindness. I have just the beginning stages of the Moderate Nonproliferative
retinopathy. See below for the latest update.
Macular Edema :
Sharp straight vision is the responsibility of the Macula. When fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the Macula, it can cause blurred vision; This is called Macular Edema and is another "fun participant" in the Diabetic eye problems scenario. Macular Edema can happen at any point in the above 4 phases. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics are at risk for both Macular Edema and Diabetic Retinopathy. You should go for a comprehensive eye exam every year performed by an Opthamologist. I do and you should too. You can help protect your vision by getting your blood glucose levels under control. Just because you don't have any symptoms, does not mean you are not at risk. Don't wait to "NOT SEE". _______________________________________________________________
UPDATE : 2-22-09 I went to the Opthamologist 2-19-09 and there are no other Diabetic Eye Problems. Hooray!. No macular edema either.
Other Complication pages of Interest
Microalbumnuria
Diabetes and Depression
Diabetes and Hypertension
Diabetic Impotence
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic Shock
Diabetic Gastroparesis
Return from Diabetic eye problems
to Your Healthy Diabetic Life
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