Any person who lives with type 1 or type 2 diabetes understands the importance of seeing medical professionals on a regular basis. Along with annual physical examinations and blood tests, there is also the need to consider the condition of the eyes. That’s because diabetes increases the potential for issues with eye function and acuity. Here are some of the ways that ongoing eye care in Wichita KS improves the odds of enjoying excellent vision in the years to come.
Being on the Lookout for Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a term used to describe a loss of vision and the development of other eye problems as a result of dangerous levels of glucose in the bloodstream. When those levels are outside a safe range over an extended period of time, the chances for damage to the blood vessels that feed the retina increase. At first, there may or may not be enough impact on the quality of vision to notice a difference. Left undiagnosed, the condition can worsen to the point that the individual loses much of the visual acuity.
One of the most effective ways to deal with this possibility is to seek eye care in Wichita KS on a regular basis. Identifying the presence of damage to the blood vessels early on makes it possible to employ different methods to slow the deterioration and use various approaches to maintaining a reasonable quality of vision.
Who Can Spot Diabetic Retinopathy?
It is possible for an optometrist to identify some of the signs indicating the presence of diabetic retinopathy. When such a diagnosis is given, the next step is usually to see an ophthalmologist. This professional is trained in more comprehensive forms of eye care, up to and including surgical procedures that would help preserve the sight for more years.
Anyone who is a type 1 or type 2 diabetic and has not undergone an eye exam in the last couple of years should schedule an appointment as quickly as possible. Even if there does not seem to be any impact on the eyesight at present, it takes a professional to determine if any issues are developing and what can be done to slow the progression of those issues.
