Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic complication that affects the eyes. This condition is caused by high blood glucose levels which cause the blood vessels behind the retina to leak fluid behind the extremely sensitive nervous tissue, resulting in blurred vision or vision loss. Patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, and the more blood glucose is uncontrolled, the more likely the condition will develop. Moreover, the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop the disease. It is estimated that nearly 80% of patients who have had diabetes for at least 10 years have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Initially, diabetic retinopathy may not show many symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, the common symptoms include floaters and flashes, blurred vision, dark areas, and color vision impairment.

Dr. Mahasneh can help diagnose diabetic retinopathy at Advanced Eye & Laser Center, serving Mansfield, TX and the surrounding area.

The best way to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is careful and proactive management of diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is crucial to see your eye doctor every year for a dilated eye exam, even if you are not experiencing any vision problems.

If you are a diabetic and have noticed any changes in your vision, please contact us as soon as possible to prevent a potentially serious vision problem.