Caring for your vision is an essential part of caring for your overall health. If you are diabetic, you must be especially vigilant about your eyes because diabetes can cause vision problems. Diabetics need to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year to ensure their eyes stay healthy. If you live in the Rapid City, SD, area and need an experienced eye doctor, our team at Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates can provide the eye care you need.
One of the serious medical problems that can develop with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy. Here are some frequently asked questions about diabetic retinopathy:
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels around the eye become constricted. It begins when blood sugar gets too high and changes the shape of the lens of the eye. This condition can lead to significant vision problems if left untreated.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Your vision will become blurry. High blood sugar will raise your blood pressure due to the increased thickness of your blood. After your blood pressure becomes elevated, the blood vessels around your eyes will press too firmly on the nerves and tissues of the eyes. Despite the seriousness of this condition, its only symptom is often mildly blurred vision until the condition has become severe.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Detected Before it Gets Serious?
An ophthalmologist can detect this disease before it reaches the severe stage during a routine eye examination. This is why annual eye examinations are essential for everyone, especially diabetics. Early detection can prevent serious complications and preserve your vision.
What Happens During Severe Diabetic Retinopathy?
If the condition progresses without treatment, you may see a burst blood vessel in your eye or a red spot on your eyeball. At that stage, it can be treated only with injections to your eye. In some cases, it will require a surgery called vitrectomy. Your ophthalmologist will determine the treatment that is right for you based on the severity of your condition.
Call Us Today for an Appointment
We provide quality eye care for area residents. If you live near Rapid City, SD, and you would like to find an ophthalmologist near you, our team at Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates can offer the eye care you need. We also serve patients at our outreach clinics in Belle Fourche, Spearfish, and Chadron, SD. Call us today for an appointment, and let’s see how much better you will see. Reach out to Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates for professional eye care and ensure your vision remains clear and healthy.