It is important to make healthy choices and take steps to manage your diabetes. Diabetes can damage the body’s normal circulation and cause problems with circulation to your heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and legs.
The leading cause of blindness in the US is diabetic retinopathy (diabetic damage to the retina) with at least 50 percent of all diabetics developing diabetic retinopathy. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may not have symptoms. This makes it essential for those with diabetes to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once per year. Your eye doctor will check for any signs of damage to the retina and optic nerve, including leaking blood vessels, swelling of the retina and growth of new vessels. If your eye doctor detects significant diabetic retinal disease, they may refer you to Southeastern Retina Associates for treatment, and one of our retina specialists will evaluate you at our offices in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Crossville, Chattanooga, Athens, Abingdon, Dalton or Rome.
Please remember that controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol will help prevent the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy!