What Is Diabetic Retinopathy and How Is It Treated?

There are many things that having diabetes can impact, including your eyesight. The good news is that our team at Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates Associates, serving Rapid City, SD, Pierre, SD, Belle Fourche, SD, Spearfish, SD, and Chadron, NE, are here for you. An “ophthalmologist near me” on our ophthalmology team is here to help.

What Exactly Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is a condition in which a person’s sugar levels are abnormal. Unfortunately, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the retina – the back of the eye responsible for sending image signals to the brain.

In the beginning, symptoms aren’t always obvious because the symptoms might be confused with normal vision changes. Over time, though, pressure builds up in the eye and the blood vessels typically start to leak. When this occurs, it can cause streaks or spots in your field of vision. Eventually, it can lead to complete vision loss.

How Can It Be Treated?

It begins with a dilated eye exam to determine if diabetic retinopathy is present and the severity of the condition. If the dilated eye exam does detect signs, a treatment plan will be developed.

The first step in treatment is ensuring that your diabetes is under control. Proper diet, exercise, and medication usage are key. Lifestyle adjustments can be very beneficial in managing diabetes and the impacts it has on the body.

In addition to general diabetes management, diabetic retinopathy management focuses on preserving your eyesight and preventing complete vision loss. Typically, this includes medications and methods to relieve pressure in the eye to prevent any further damage to the retina. An eye doctor on our team will discuss the various treatment options that are available for your specific needs.

Get a Dilated Eye Exam and Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment from Our Ophthalmology Team

Don’t let diabetes steal your sight. If you live in or around Rapid City, SD, Pierre, SD, Belle Fourche, SD, and Spearfish, SD, or Chadron, NE, schedule an appointment with an “ophthalmologist near me” on our ophthalmology team at Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates by calling (605) 719-9499 today.