Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
The retina is the part of the eye that is sensitive to light and sends messages to your brain about what you see. Diabetes can damage and weaken the small blood vessels of the retina. This damage is known as diabetic retinopathy.
When damage occurs in blood vessels of your retina, they can leak fluid and cause swelling in the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that gives a clear and sharp. The swelling and fluid can cause blurred vision, and make it hard to see you, if worse retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Laser surgery can often be used to treat or slow down retinopathy, especially if the problem is caught early. People with diabetes should have an eye exam every year.
Warning signs of eye problems
Call your doctor if you have:
* Blurred vision for more than 2 days
* Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
* See black or gray spots, cobwebs or threads that move when you move aimlessly eyes, these are known by the name “floaters.”
* If you see flashing lights that are not really there
* Pain or pressure in one or both eyes