Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness among Canadians between the ages of 25 and 70. People who have had diabetes for a long time, or have Type I diabetes, have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If patients with diabetic retinopathy are treated properly before the retina is severely damaged, they have an excellent chance of stabilizing the disease and saving their vision.
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Laser surgery and appropriate follow-up care can reduce the risk of blindness by 90 percent. However, laser surgery often cannot restore vision that has already been lost. Detecting this disease early is the best precaution to save your vision.
Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?
Studies show that better control of blood sugar levels slow the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.
What can I do to protect my vision?
Often there are no warning signs or symptoms for diabetic eye disease so finding and treating the disease early, before it causes vision loss or blindness, is the best way to protect your vision. Regular eye exams, good medical management of blood sugar and blood pressure, along with timely treatment can significantly reduce your risks.
If you have diabetes, these steps can minimize your risk for developing diabetic eye disease:
- Monitor your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers carefully
- Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor
- Schedule annual eye exams
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Refrain from smoking
Because there are no warning signs or symptoms for diabetic eye disease, it's vitally important to schedule yearly eye exams with an experienced eye doctor. Email or call Skouras Eye Centre today at 416-590-0300 for more information.
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