Diabetes is a condition that can interfere with the body's ability to use
and store sugar. Diabetes can also, over time, weaken and cause changes in
the small blood vessels that nourish the eye's light sensitive retina. When
this occurs, it is called diabetic retinopathy. These changes may include
leaking of blood, development of brush-like branches of the vessels and enlargement
of certain parts of the vessels. Diabetic retinopathy can seriously affect
vision and, if left untreated, cause blindness.
Since this disease can cause blindness, early diagnosis and treatment is
essential. That's one reason why it is important to have your eyes examined
periodically by a doctor of optometry, especially if you are a diabetic or
if you have a family history of diabetes.
During a thorough, comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist gets
to know you, your family history, your lifestyle and your vision needs.
To detect diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can look inside your eyes with
an instrument called an ophthalmoscope, which lights and magnifies the blood
vessels in your eyes. The interior of your eyes may also be photographed to
provide more information.
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