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Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

The exact cause of diabetic retinopathy is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood and fluid. This can lead to vision loss.

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Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

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In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may be no symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience:

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• Blurred vision

• Floaters

• Dark spots in your vision

• Pain in your eyes

• Sensitivity to light

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Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by an eye doctor during a comprehensive eye exam. The eye doctor will look at your retina and ask you about your symptoms. They may also perform tests, such as an ophthalmoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.

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Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

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There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but there are treatments that can help to prevent vision loss. Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy include:

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• Eye drops: Eye drops that lower blood sugar levels can help to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

• Laser treatment: Laser treatment can be used to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina. This can help to prevent vision loss.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat diabetic retinopathy. This is usually only done if other treatments have not been effective.

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Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy

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There is no sure way to prevent diabetic retinopathy, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

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• Control your blood sugar levels: The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to control your blood sugar levels. This can be done by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.

• Get regular eye exams: People with diabetes should get regular eye exams, even if they have no symptoms. This is important because diabetic retinopathy can often be detected early, when it is easier to treat.

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