Do you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes? If so, you’ve most likely heard about diabetic retinopathy. This is a problem that most diabetics face at some point in their life. Keep reading to learn more about this condition!
Diabetic Retinopathy Risks
Your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases every year that you are diabetic. The condition causes vision changes.
When the blood vessels that nourish the retina become damaged, new blood vessels form. These new blood vessels form at the retina and often leak and break. When this happens, it results in vision loss
Anyone with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. In fact, about 40 percent of diabetics already have developed some form of the eye condition.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Pregnancy
If you have developed gestational diabetes, you could develop diabetic retinopathy. It’s also important to schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor if you are pregnant and are a diagnosed diabetic.
Be sure to schedule follow-up visits with your eye doctor throughout your pregnancy.
Why You Need to See Your Eye Doctor Regularly
In its early stages, most patients don’t notice if they have diabetic retinopathy. This is what makes regular eye exams so crucial for diabetics!
The National Eye Institute recommends annual eye exams for diabetic patients.
This should be followed up by seeing their primary care physician on a regular basis. Keeping blood sugar levels maintained is a must when avoiding diabetic retinopathy.
You may still have questions about diabetic retinopathy. This is true especially if you are a newly-diagnosed diabetic.
Don’t be shy! Call your eye doctor to schedule an appointment!
There, you’ll be able to ask all your questions. You can get answers from your eye doctor and start understanding diabetic retinopathy. In fact, we’ll even help you with the questions.
Below, you’ll find 13 questions to ask your eye doctor about diabetic retinopathy:
- Did you find any signs of diabetic retinopathy during my eye exam?
- If so, what are my treatment options?
- If I do currently have diabetic retinopathy, how severe is it? Did we catch the condition in the early stages?
- Can you tell me the likelihood of my vision improving if we start treatment right away?
- Are there any steps you want me to take before my treatment begins?
- Do you have a recommended schedule for how often I should come in for appointments?
- How important is it for me to keep my diabetes under control?
- What happens if my diabetes gets out of control?
- When should I come in to see you if my diabetes becomes uncontrolled?
- Can you recommend resources to help me in creating a diabetic-friendly food or diet plan?
- Do you have any home remedies to suggest that can help me and my condition?
- Are there any over-the-counter medications I need to add to my routine?
- Should I make an appointment with a low-vision specialist?
Diabetic retinopathy doesn’t have to be inevitable if you’re diabetic. Schedule your diabetic vision consultation at Riverside Eye Center in Auburn, Maine today!