Although patients with diabetes can have cataracts or glaucoma, the most important complication is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy progresses through various stages that include mild, moderate and severe retinopathy. If untreated and uncared for, it can result in macular oedema, retinal bleeding and retinal detachment.
Diabetic retinopathy in early stages can be quite silent with no significant visual disturbances. But diagnosing at this stage can help tighten up diabetes control, blood pressure control and lipid control and prevent further progression of the disease. Get your eyes checked for retinopathy at least annually if you don’t have any symptoms and more frequently if you have any disease. Ophthalmology services in Providence (Monday and Friday 9:30 AM-1:00 PM)