What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic patients are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy – when blood vessels may leak fluid and blood in the retina (the back of the eye that works like the film in a camera).

The condition is not painful, and can be very advanced before it is caught.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults in America, and can be treated if diagnosed early.

All diabetics should have their eyes dilated and examined yearly, or more often if signs of retinopathy are seen. Proper management of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol (lipid) levels, as well as not smoking, are the most important things you can do to prevent diabetic retinopathy. If the condition is detected, treatment is required to preserve your eyesight.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you have an increased risk of a number of eye diseases, including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Lufkin, TX

If you or someone you love has diabetes, make sure eye exams by a qualified ophthalmologist are a part of your regular healthcare routine. Call the ophthalmology office of William W. Wagnon, MD, of Lufkin, Texas, at (936) 632-6111 or (800) 832-6111 to schedule an appointment. You can also request your appointment right now.