What Is Diabetic Retinopathy, and How Is It Treated?

If you have diabetes, you could be at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Fortunately, if you're in the Virginia Beach, VA, area, Atlantic Eyecare is here to help you protect the health of your eyes. Optometry has come a long way, and there are treatments for many conditions that weren't easily treatable in the past. Additionally, good management of your condition can help protect against vision loss.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retinas. It usually affects both of your eyes at the same time and can lead to blood vessels that leak. This causes blurred vision, and over time can lead to vision loss and blindness.

How Is This Condition Treated?

The main way to treat the problem is to work with your eye doctor and make lifestyle changes. It's essential that you keep your blood sugar well-controlled, as lower blood sugar levels will reduce the impact diabetes has on your eyes. Additionally, if you have other health conditions, you'll want to manage them as much as possible, to improve your overall health.

What Can Your Optometrist Do To Help?

Your optometrist can monitor your eyes regularly to see if you've had any progression of your retinopathy. If your vision is diminishing, your eye doctor may suggest ways you can work around the loss of vision or other opportunities to slow or stop vision loss through better diabetes control.

Work With a Trusted Eye Doctor Today

If you're in the Virginia Beach, VA, area, Atlantic Eyecare is here to help you manage your diabetes and protect yourself from the effects of diabetic retinopathy. Because so many advancements have been made in optometry, there are more ways than ever before to help you continue to see as well as possible for the future. Call 757-340-7070 for an appointment.