Whether you were born with diabetes or were recently diagnosed with Type 2, managing the condition is the key to a healthy life. Because your body doesn’t regulate blood sugar naturally, uncontrolled levels can be harmful to blood vessels. That includes the ones in your eyes, which can experience a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Here, learn more about this condition and how you can prevent and treat it with diabetic laser treatment.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Your eyes have a complex network of blood vessels, and if blood sugar levels are consistently elevated, these vessels can become blocked. Your body will respond by growing new blood vessels, but they are likely to develop improperly and leak. This condition can start as a minor inconvenience and eventually progress to full blindness.

What Are the Symptoms?

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may not notice anything different with your vision. However, as the condition worsens, you may notice new dark spots floating in your sight, blurry or fluctuating vision, and difficulty seeing colors. Eventually, scar tissue created by new blood vessel growth can cause retinal detachment, which puts you at risk for total vision loss.

How Can You Slow Its Progression?

Keeping your blood sugar levels consistent is key to protecting your eyes and the rest of your body. You should also visit your eye doctor yearly, as they have the tools and knowledge to detect symptoms of retinopathy before they become apparent to you. You can also opt for diabetic laser treatment to reduce the risk of vision loss and slow the progression of retinopathy.

Care for your eyes with a visit to Russellville Eye Clinic PA in Arkansas. From yearly eye exams to laser eye surgery and diabetic laser treatment, they can help you and your family preserve your vision. To learn more about their services, visit their website, and call (479) 968-­7302 to schedule diabetic laser treatment.