Retinal Disorders
Your retinas process light and send nerve impulses to your brain to form visual images. The retina is pivotal in maintaining proper vision, and there are many types of retinal disorders. The most common are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Macular Degeneration:
The macula is the portion of the retina responsible for center vision and fine details. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss. If found early enough steps can be taken to slow its progression, so it is important to get regular checkups if you feel you are at risk. The leading risk factors are age, genetics, race, and smoking. Macular degeneration is most common in people over 55, in people with a family history, and in Caucasians. Smoking also doubles the prevalence, and therefore risk, of the disease.
Dr. Harper’s office has the proper equipment to diagnose macular degeneration so if you feel you are at risk then please feel free to come in for an eye health checkup.
Diabetic retinopathy:
Diabetic Retinopathy causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina, resulting in vision complications of all kinds. More than half of people with Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are also diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. The beginning symptoms are mild and there are steps you can take towards prevention. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the reasons regular diabetic eye exams are important when you have diabetes.