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Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar and can cause many health problems. In the eye, diabetic retinopathy can weaken and cause changes to the small blood vessels that nourish your eye's retina - the delicate, light sensitive lining of the back of the eye. These blood vessels may begin to leak, swell or develop brush-like branches.
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may cause blurred vision, or they may produce no visual symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may notice a cloudiness of vision, blind spots or floaters.
If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, which is one reason why it is important to have Dr. Lotz examine your eyes regularly. This is especially true if you are have already been diagnosed with diabetes or if you have a family history of diabetes.
To detect diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Lotz will look inside your eyes with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. If you have diabetic retinopathy, laser and other surgical treatments can be used to reduce its progression and decrease the risk of vision loss. Early treatment is important because once damage has occurred, the effects are usually permanent.
If you are a diabetic, you can help prevent diabetic retinopathy by taking your prescribed medication as instructed, sticking to your diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
If you or a member of your family has not received a comprehensive eye examination in the past year, you should contact Dr. Lotz for an appointment. If you do not live in his service area, you can call 1-800-262-3947 for the names of eye doctors in your area. |
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