Eye doctor San Diego
Diabetes is a very common condition, estimated to affect more than 30 million people in the US. It causes symptoms in many different body systems, including in the eyes. Eye disease caused by diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. It has two forms: proliferative and non proliferative. What are the differences? If you’re living with diabetes, how can you protect your eyes?
High blood sugar damages blood vessels
At the root of diabetic eye disease is the damage done by high blood sugar. Sugar alters proteins in the body in certain ways. Consider what happens if a sugary drink (like soda) is spilled; everything it touches becomes sticky. In a similar way, high blood sugar causes proteins in the blood and on cells to become sticky. As things stick together, his leads to damage to blood vessels.
As this happens, small blood vessels begin to be blocked off. The tissues in the body to be most affected by diabetes are often those that rely on a high volume of blood flow through small blood vessels, such as the kidneys and the eyes.
The first stage of diabetic eye disease is known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. The blocked blood vessels may bulge and can leak. This causes inflammation and damage to the retina. In addition, the lack of sufficient blood flow can cause damage, because cells are deprived of the nutrients and oxygen that they need.
As the disease progresses, abnormal blood vessels may grow (proliferate) as the body attempts to get enough blood flow to the retina. This stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The extra blood vessels can interfere with vision, because they are located on the surface of the retina itself. Not everyone will progress to this point, but for those who do, the potential for vision loss is increased.
How can the eyes be protected?
The simplest way to protect your eyes from diabetic eye disease is to control your blood sugar. The less elevated your sugar, the less it will cause the stickiness that ultimately damages your eyes (and other organs). Your primary care doctor is usually the one to help you manage this, through diet and medications.
We can also use treatments to manage the disease. Certain medications, such as anti-VEGF medications, can be helpful. Laser treatments are also useful for some patients. When a hemorrhage into the eye has occurred, vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance that fills the eyeball) can sometimes be useful.
Eye doctor San Diego
If you have diabetes, it’s very important to be monitored by an eye doctor on a regular basis. If your doctor finds signs of diabetic retinopathy, then treatment could help to save your vision. If the retina is damaged too badly, then vision loss may become irreversible. This is why being monitored is important.
If you’re looking for an eye doctor San Diego, we invite you to make an appointment with one of our excellent doctors. Although we specialize in laser vision correction, we also offer regular eye exams and corrective lenses. To make an appointment, simply contact our office.
