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Diabetic Eye Disease
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Diabetic Eye Disease

A scene as it might be viewed by a person with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a systemic disease which affects the blood vessels of the eye located in the retina, the inner layer of the eyeball. These vessels are very sensitive to damage from the high blood sugars which occur in diabetes.

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes will weaken the blood vessel wall and blood, lipid and fluid can leak into the retina. Small blood vessels can also close off, preventing blood flow to areas of the retina. These changes are referred to as diabetic retinopathy.

It is recommended that patients with diabetes be examined every year. If retinopathy is observed, then the patient should be examined more frequently. Diabetic changes can be successfully treated with laser if diagnosed early.

More severe retinopathy can also be treated with laser or surgery, but with worse prognosis. Regular eye examinations are imperative to identify and treat diabetic retinopathy.

For more information click here
National Eye Institute: Diabetic Eye Disease

En Espaņol
National Eye Institute: Enfermedad Diabetica del Ojo


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