LASIK, CATARACTS & LENS IMPLANTS

Q: What is diabetic retinopathy and who is at risk? A: Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, or abnormal growth of new blood vessels. Over time, this can result in vision loss or even blindness. People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases with the duration of diabetes and poor control of blood sugar levels. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include:

• Type of diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients are at risk, but the risk is generally higher for those with type 1 diabetes.

• Duration of diabetes:

The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

• Poor blood sugar control: Consistently high blood sugar levels increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

• High blood pressure: Hypertension can further damage the blood vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of retinopathy.

• High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to blood vessel damage in the retina.

• Kidney disease: Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys, can increase the risk of retinopathy.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

• Ethnicity: People of African, Hispanic, and Native American descent are at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy compared to Caucasians.

Regular eye examinations and good management of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help minimize the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or slow its progression.

Michael E. Rom, M.D.

Insight Eye Center Chardon (440) 286-1188 Mentor (440 205-5840 www.insighteyecenter.com