Living With Diabetes? Signs Your Eyes May Need a Retina Check
Diabetes impacts nearly every part of the body, but one less obvious effect is on the eyes, specifically the retina. Vision changes, even those that seem minor or insignificant, can serve as crucial indicators that your retinas need attention. By recognizing the vital link between diabetes and retinal health, you can take important steps to safeguard your vision and enhance your overall quality of life.
How Diabetes Affects the Retinas
Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision changes over time. Common diabetic retinal conditions include diabetic retinopathy, where damaged blood vessels either block blood flow or leak fluid into the surrounding retinal tissue, and macular edema, which involves fluid buildup in the retina that causes swelling. Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss among individuals living with diabetes.
Diabetic Vision Changes
Diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, as progression is gradual and may occur in peripheral areas. This means it might not affect your central, sharp vision (the macula) until later on. When noticeable symptoms appear, they may include:
- Blurry vision
- Spots or dark shapes in your vision (floaters)
- Colors appearing faded
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
When to See a Retina Specialist
If you have diabetes, it's crucial to include a retina specialist on your healthcare team, even if your vision appears normal. Regular and thorough retinal exams are the most effective way to safeguard your eyesight. The earlier a retina specialist identifies signs of diabetic eye disease, the sooner you can start treatment, which can lead to better vision outcomes. It's never too early to see a retina specialist, but waiting until you notice symptoms could mean that permanent damage has already occurred.
Prioritizing Eye Care With Diabetes
By effectively managing your diabetes and regularly visiting a retina specialist, you can protect and preserve your vision for years to come. At Northeast Wisconsin Retina Associates, our experienced retina specialists are dedicated to offering world-class retinal care to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, including Appleton, Green Bay, Sheboygan, North Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.