Diabetic Retinopathy And Blindness
August 18, 2009
If you have diabetes, an annual eye examination is important for one simple reason: Diabetes can damage your vision. However, the damage sometimes can be postponed or prevented with proper treatment. The most
serious complication is diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of visual disability and blindness in the
United States.
The problem lies in the blood vessels of the retina. Tiny areas in the vessel walls weaken and bulge out. These are called micro-aneurysms. The damaged vessels leak fluid into the surrounding retina, or may rupture and hemorrhage into the retina. As a result, the retina swells. If the swelling affects the central portion of your retina (the macula), your vision may be impaired.
Often, diabetic retinopothy has no warning signals. You may require treatment and be unaware of your problem. That is why regular examinations for diabetics are vital.
