Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness in one or both eyes. If you have diabetes, you need to be worried about this condition. Here's what you need to know. 

What is diabetic retinopathy?

The retina is a structure in the back of your eye. It is responsible for translating light into images, so without it, you can't see. Like other parts of your body, it needs constant blood flow to stay healthy. High blood sugar makes your veins narrower and it can also make them bleed or leak. When your veins are damaged in this way, the retina won't get the blood flow it needs to survive, so it will become damaged, and eventually, it will die. 

How do you know you have it?

In the early stages of the disease, you won't know that you have it. Once the disease advances, you will notice changes in your vision, such as floaters or blurred vision. Sometimes, the first symptom of diabetic retinopathy is blindness. This is why it's important to visit your optometrist regularly for eye screenings. Your optometrist (like those at Blink Eyewear) can diagnose diabetic retinopathy long before you notice any serious symptoms

Who is at risk?

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. However, other factors can also play a role. Your risk increases with the amount of time you've had diabetes, and you are also in more danger if you aren't careful to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. 

If you have other related conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease, you are also at an increased risk. It's important that you seek treatment for these related conditions, and also that you try to live a healthy lifestyle.

How common is it?

Diabetic retinopathy is very common. According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, about half a million Canadians currently have this condition. This means that about 1 out of every 70 Canadians is suffering from diabetic retinopathy.

Can it be treated?

If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed early, it can be treated. This can be as simple as being more careful about controlling your blood sugar. Well-managed diabetes won't cause further harm to your veins and your retinas. In the advanced stages, you may need to have surgery to repair the damage. 

Diabetic retinopathy is a common problem among diabetics, so if you have diabetes, you need to get screened for it. Make an appointment with your optometrist right away. If the disease is diagnosed early enough, your vision can be saved.