Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, either type 1 or type 2, you are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Because a complete loss of vision is possible with this disease, it is incredibly important that you take steps to manage your diabetes and maintain your blood sugar levels. If you begin to notice symptoms such as blurred vision, fluctuating visual acuity, or blind spots, it is vital that you contact Dallas ophthalmologist Dr. Dain Brooks as soon as possible to address the problem.Your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy begin with the onset of diabetes and continue to increase the longer you have the disease. There is no lowering this particular risk, but the management of the condition can help prevent vision loss. In addition to how long you have had diabetes, you are at an increased risk for retinopathy if you:
- Are pregnant
- Use tobacco
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
Barring pregnancy, these risks can be reduced by leading a lifestyle conducive to the proper management of diabetes. Dr. Brooks can discuss this with you in greater detail during your next visit to our office.
To schedule an appointment at our Dallas office, please contact Brooks Eye Associates today. We welcome patients with diabetic retinopathy from Plano, Frisco, and all surrounding Texas communities.
