Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Los Angeles, California
Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive eye disease caused by excess sugar in the blood stream. This causes the blood vessels that supply your retina to become damaged. Over time, they can leak blood onto your retina, along with other deposits (e.g. protein). This leakage tends to result in retinal swelling, which can lead to vision problems and, ultimately, blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to visit an eye doctor every year to undergo a dilated eye exam. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no noticeable symptoms; detecting it through an eye exam is the best way to prevent permanent vision loss.
Who is at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
The longer you have had diabetes, the higher your risk will be of developing diabetic retinopathy – especially if you do not adequately control your blood sugar levels. Other risk factors for this eye disease include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Tobacco use
- High cholesterol
Consequences of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can cause major complications with your eyesight, including:
- Retinal detachment – The abnormal blood vessels in your eyes can create scar tissue that pulls your retina away from the back of the eye, putting you at risk of retinal detachment.
- Glaucoma – The growth of new blood vessels sometimes interferes with the normal flow of fluid out of your eyes, increasing intraocular pressure and damaging your optic nerve.
- Vitreous hemorrhage – Blood vessels can leak into the vitreous humor, blocking your vision.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, Dr. Khanna can help you protect your vision against diabetic retinopathy and other eye disorders. Please contact The Khanna Institute today or call (888) 339-8143 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients throughout Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Los Angeles, California.