Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States is called diabetes. This is a condition where the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the demands of the rest of the organs and tissues. There are a number of complications that might develop when someone has been diagnosed with diabetes. One of the most common is called diabetic eye disease, also referred to as diabetic retinopathy. This condition can rob someone of their vision. It is important for everyone to understand the basics of this condition so that it can be treated appropriately. The team from Greater New Orleans Eye Care is here to help everyone in Marrero, LA, by providing access to a trained optometrist. 

How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Develop?

Diabetic retinopathy develops due to excess glucose in the blood stream. When someone eats a meal, the body is supposed to released insulin. This insulin is important because it removes glucose from the bloodstream. If there are high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, this can start to damage the body's organs, tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. This is what happens when someone develops diabetic retinopathy. The excess glucose starts to damage the blood vessels and nerves of the eyes, leading to a variety of visual symptoms.

What is the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy starts to develop long before any symptoms develop. Therefore, it is important for everyone to see our trained eye doctor on a regular basis following a diagnosis of diabetes. There are steps that can be taken to halt the progression of diabetic eye disease. This starts by following the advice of a trained endocrinologist, taking all medications as prescribed. Our eye doctor will perform an eye exam on a regular basis, making sure that someone’s visual acuity is still intact. If diabetic retinopathy starts to progress, there are treatment options, including surgical procedures, that can be performed to help someone.

Trust the Optometry Team at Greater New Orleans Eye Care

Clearly, diabetic eye disease is a serious issue for countless people across the country. If not treated appropriately, this can rob someone with a vision. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. To learn more about diabetic eye disease, the symptoms, and the treatment options, call Greater New Orleans Eye at (504) 348-2993 to learn more. We are here to help everyone in Marrero, LA, New Orleans, LA, and nearby areas by providing access to a trained optometrist who specializes in diabetic eye disease. We have the latest tools and treatments available to protect and preserve your vision into your later years. We would be honored to take care of you.