Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans under the age of 74. This disease is characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. When seen in the eyes, it is called diabetic retinopathy; a serious sight- threatening condition that causes progressive damage to the retina. If left untreated and undiagnosed, it can ultimately lead to blindness.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include seeing spots or floaters, blurred vision, having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision, or difficulty seeing well at night. If experiencing any of these, we invite you to visit our practice for your comprehensive dilated exam. Our Optometrist, Dr. Ukegbu (add a hyperlink here to the meet our doctor section), is committed to educating you about ways to prevent and minimize diabetic retinopathy and routinely works with other health care professionals – including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, dental professionals, pharmacists and specialty eye surgeons to ensure her patients receive the highest quality of care and live healthy lives.

If you are a diabetic, you can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy by:

• Taking your prescribed medication
• Following a proper diet
• Exercising regularly
• Having your eyes examined annually

By doing so, chances are good that you can enjoy a lifetime of good vision and health.