Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the demands of the rest of the organs and tissues. Several complications might develop when someone has been diagnosed with diabetes. One of the most common is called diabetic retinopathy. Everyone needs to understand the basics of this condition so that it can be treated appropriately. At Lock Family Eye Care, we have provided residents of West Des Moines, IA, with diabetic retinopathy treatment for many years.
How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Develop?
Diabetic retinopathy develops due to excess glucose in the bloodstream. When someone eats a meal, the body is supposed to release 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, everyone needs to see a trained eye doctor regularly following a diagnosis of diabetes. Some steps can be taken to halt the progression of diabetic eye disease. This starts by following the advice of a trained endocrinologist and taking all medications as prescribed. An eye doctor will perform an eye exam regularly, 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.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in West Des Moines, IA
Diabetic eye disease is a serious issue for countless people. If not treated appropriately, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. To learn more about diabetic eye disease, the symptoms, and the treatment options, contact Lock Family Eye Care today. Call us at (515) 267-1312 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
