Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the retina of your eye. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that sends images to the brain. The macula, located at the center of your retina, allows you to see fine details. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision or blind spots in one or both eyes due to damage to blood vessels in the retina.
It’s important for aging adults living with diabetes in senior housing in Lenoir, NC, to be aware of these possible symptoms and seek treatment as soon as they notice the problem. Here’s what you need to know about eye problems caused by diabetes and how they are treated.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss. It affects the blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain.
Perhaps you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Your senior housing community can help you manage it by checking your eyes regularly with a dilated fundus exam (DFE). This exam checks for signs of diabetic retinopathy before they become serious problems.
If your physicians find the signs early, treatment may prevent vision loss from getting worse. Some treatment can even possibly reverse the damage to the retina and optic nerve. The latter structures are responsible for transmitting information from inside our bodies back through our eyes into our brains so we can see it correctly!
Diabetic Optic Nerve Disease
Suppose you are a resident of a senior housing community and have been diagnosed with diabetes. In that case, you must know the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause damage to your eyesight if left untreated. You may experience blurred vision or floaters in your field of vision, which can be caused by bleeding inside the eye.
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks without treatment, it’s best to consult your doctor immediately. That way, they can examine you further and recommend any necessary treatments.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common eye problem in America. They can make it hard to see and cause other serious problems.
Cataracts cloud the natural lens inside your eye, which helps you focus and see clearly. As they worsen, it becomes harder for your retina (the part of your eye that senses light) to correctly send images to your brain. Perhaps you have diabetes or another health condition that causes high blood sugar levels over time. Cataracts may develop faster than normal.
If you are a senior living in a senior housing community, the care team can help you with your cataracts. The team knows that it’s essential to keep your vision clear so that you can see where you’re going and what is around you. They also know how important it is for aging adults to be independent and make their own decisions about their health care.
They will work with doctors who are experts in treating cataracts. That way, they can advise on how best to treat them without making any unnecessary changes in lifestyle or medication use (which might increase the risk of other health problems).
Eye Infections and Pain
Did you know that pain in the eye can be a warning sign of diabetes? If you experience unusual eye pain, contact your doctor immediately. That’s where senior housing communities also come in! They have a trained team who can assess any issues with your eyesight and help determine whether there is a need for immediate care.
Perhaps you’re suffering from diabetes-related issues and need help finding senior housing communities that can accommodate these needs. Contact us today!
