Ignoring Early Eye Examination Leads To Diabetic Retinopathy

The long-term effects of diabetes include damage to large and small blood vessels which can lead to serious health problems. Diabetic patients can have the risk of heart attack and stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, feet, and nerves. Eye disease caused due to diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy which can lead to vision loss also. I have also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and many diabetes specialist and doctors told me that it can cause retinal problems also.

It was about 5 years ago when I started having some vision problems. I thought it is time to change my glasses for fixing my vision. However, in the following years, I realized that my vision is getting worsened. Everyone suggested I take a retinal examination to find the problem behind the vision problem.

After examination, it was diagnosed; that I am suffering from Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition that affects the retina of the eye. It affects the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels don’t work properly, which causes the growth of new blood vessels that are prone to leakage and affect the vision. At that time my vision got more worsened and I noticed that there were small areas in my field of vision. It is unpleasant that I cannot able to drive properly and couldn’t even see places properly.

The examination process was also really tough. The doctor put the bright light into my eyes to examine the retinal surface. It also involved an object that is pressed against my eye to hold it open. In the treatment, lasers were put at the blood vessels that appeared likes super bright light and feels like burning the inside of my eyes.

In the following years, I skipped the retinal examinations and treatment as my vision hadn’t changed, however it was a big mistake. In the next months, I realized that I am not able to see the objects properly. I feel blurry and distorted vision also.

All these eye problems have made me realize that my vision is worse than in the past. After some months I get an appointment with an ophthalmologist. After some tests and examining my retina, he concludes that I needed a retina specialist because my diabetic retinopathy is severe now. The macula, in the middle of the retina, is swollen which leads to warping of the vision and not being able to see the details properly. It also affects my ability to work on the computer screen.

At that time my vision was 20/200 and I was legally blind. I have to undergo several treatments after that. It includes eyeball injections, laser surgeries, and many more treatments also. It was a very unpleasant experience. With a controlled diet and effective treatment, my vision is better now.

I recommend every diabetic patient visit an eye doctor in Joliet for an early eye examination before diabetic retinopathy can affect the eyes. If I have diagnosed and taken treatment at the right time then I didn’t have to go through ordeal treatments because diabetic retinopathy is not dangerous at early levels. A regular examination can reveal issues before diabetic retinopathy show any symptoms. I wish no one goes through what I have been through in these past years.