The eye doctors at Grene Vision Group in the greater Wichita, KS area specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems caused by diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are afraid of losing your vision, you are not alone.
Diabetes affects people of all ages, races, and nationalities. Of the almost 30 million people in the United States with diabetes, about half will eventually develop a diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans. Diabetes is a disease where the body loses its ability to control blood sugar levels which become too high.
The long-term effects of the high blood sugars from diabetes damage the small blood vessels throughout the body. This can cause heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, digestive problems, stroke, and other problems in other parts of the body including the eye. The small blood vessels of the eye bring oxygen and other nutrients into and out of the eye. This is especially true of the retina which is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye.
When diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the retina, the result is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy develops gradually and painlessly.
Although good blood sugar and blood pressure control can help prevent diabetic eye disease, significant problems can still occur. Early detection of diabetic eye diseases is critical to maintaining your vision.
