Did you know diabetes can have a serious impact on your vision? Greater than 90% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 60% with type 2 will have diabetic retinopathy after 20 years. It’s the leading cause of blindness in patients ages 20 – 74.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the tiny blood vessels of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. There are no symptoms, so you might have it without even knowing. 

The good news is that early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up can reduce your risk of vision loss by as much as 95%. Here are four ways to help protect your eyes from the potentially devastating effects of diabetes:

• Schedule yearly visits with your ophthalmologist for a complete dilated fundus exam
• Keep good control of your blood sugar, with an AC1 below 7.0.
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Click here to schedule an appointment with an Eye Consultants of Atlanta ophthalmologist. They are here to help protect and preserve your vision.