{"id":395,"date":"2016-11-10T21:16:34","date_gmt":"2016-11-10T21:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carebuildersathomemn.com\/?p=395"},"modified":"2016-11-10T21:16:34","modified_gmt":"2016-11-10T21:16:34","slug":"understanding-the-effects-of-diabetic-eye-disease-on-elders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carebuildersathome.com\/minnesota\/blog\/understanding-the-effects-of-diabetic-eye-disease-on-elders\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Effects of Diabetic Eye Disease on Elders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elder Care in Coon Rapids MN<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ElderIf your elderly parent has diabetes, they could be at risk for diabetic eye disease if their condition is not properly managed. The primary eye disease that develops in people with diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness and low vision among adults between the ages of 20 and 65.<\/p>\n

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the small blood vessels that nourish the nerve cells and tissue that surrounds the retina become damaged. Their vision may become so impaired that an elder care provider is needed to assist with tasks that they are no longer able to do by themselves. The best prevention against diabetic retinopathy is to manage their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. Another way is to arm yourself and the senior with as much information as possible on this condition.<\/p>\n

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are four stages of this eye disease to be aware of:<\/p>\n

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  1. Mild non-proliferative retinopathy:<\/strong>\u00a0The tiny blood vessels in the retina will swell up into a balloon-like shape in small sections.<\/li>\n
  2. Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy:<\/strong>\u00a0The blood vessels that nourish the retina will eventually become blocked as the condition progresses.<\/li>\n
  3. Severe non-proliferative retinopathy:<\/strong>\u00a0More blood vessels become blocked, causing less blood to make its way to the retina. The retina will then signal to the body to produce more blood vessels.<\/li>\n
  4. Proliferative retinopathy:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. The retina will send signals to the body to produce more blood vessels. Since the new blood vessels will grow abnormally, they can easily rupture and bleed, causing the retina to hemorrhage.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If your loved one has diabetic retinopathy, they may experience:<\/p>\n