If you've had normal vision throughout your life, you probably don't give reading this newsletter, watching television or looking at a beautiful sunset much thought. After all, seeing is as natural as breathing. Right?

That may be the case for many people, but doctors say those with diabetes shouldn't take their vision for granted. High blood-sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and capillaries in the eyes and cause a serious eye disease called diabetic retinopathy.

"Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease that can diminish people's vision and lead to blindness," says Martin Schoenberger, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Chalmette Medical Center. "It affects nearly one in four people with diabetes, so people with the disease should do all they can to protect their vision."

Why eye diseases occur
Diabetic retinopathy typically starts when high blood-sugar levels cause the tiny blood vessels in the eye to swell. Over time, these vessels may become blocked and disrupt blood flow to the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into the electrical signals that tell the brain what we are seeing. Eventually, abnormal blood vessels may start to grow. If these fragile vessels leak blood, they can impair vision or cause vision loss.

"People who have diabetic retinopathy typically don't have symptoms in the early stages," Dr. Schoenberger says. "As the disease progresses and vessels start to leak into the eye, people may develop blurry vision or see floating spots."

Prevent vision loss
Controlling your blood-sugar, blood-pressure and cholesterol levels can help preserve your eyesight, but early detection of eye problems is the best way to safeguard your vision. If you have diabetic retinopathy, eye specialists can perform laser surgery to seal leaky blood vessels, help shrink abnormal vessels and reduce retinal swelling. Laser surgery can help prevent vision loss, but it doesn't cure your condition. You'll need frequent monitoring and may need additional treatments in the future.

"With early treatment, patients with diabetes can maintain good vision for a lifetime," Dr. Schoenberger says. "Delaying treatment can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness."

Martin Schoenberger, M.D.

Since everyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy, specialists recommend that people with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Those who have eye disease or pregnant women who have diabetes may need more frequent evaluations.

Eye specialists can also help if you've already lost some vision because of diabetic retinopathy. They can recommend low-vision devices and strategies that can help you get the most out of your remaining vision.

For an appointment with Dr. Schoenberger, call 279-5266.

9001 Patricia Street, P.O. Box 1727, Chalmette, LA 70044 (504) 620-6000