Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is hard to detect and can go unnoticed up until the condition has progressed past treatable options. Caused by high sugar levels in the blood stream, diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye. It can develop without affecting your vision but it easily detectable through regular checkups at Young Eyes Optometrists .

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the under 50 age group.

What causes diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a result of the effects of high blood sugar on the small retinal vessels at the back of the eye. The effect is greater over time in untreated diabetes and also increased with higher blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

Symptoms

Usually there are few symptoms until the disease process is well developed, so regular checkups are very important if you suffer from diabetes.

Treating diabetic retinopathy

Treating this disease aims to further prevent any damage to the retina. If our optometrists detect retinopathy, you will be referred to a specialist for further testing