Diabetes Can Cause Significant Vision Problems
Diabetes changes the way your whole body functions, and your eyes are no exception. Uncontrolled or un-monitored diabetes can lead to a number of related eye diseases that, left unchecked, can result in vision loss or even blindness. Someone living with diabetes should have dilated eye exams once a year.
More Information About Diabetic Eye Exams With Wake Family Eye Care
Diabetic Eye Exams Are Different From a Standard Eye Exam
Since diabetes puts you at risk of diabetic eye disease, a diabetic eye exam involves a more thorough testing process. We’ll dilate your pupils, allowing us to get a better look at the inner workings of your eyes. In order to search for diabetic retinopathy, we closely inspect the health of your eye’s blood vessels.
We Are Equipped to Meet Your Needs
We recognize that our patients’ needs vary greatly. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to invest in cutting edge technology that allows us to get all the information we need to thoroughly conduct a diabetic eye exam.
Diabetic Retinopathy is the Leading Cause of Blindness in Diabetic Patients
Although Diabetic Eye Disease is an umbrella term for a number of diseases resulting from diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the most common and the most harmful. This particular disease develops when blood vessel walls in the retina are weakened due to prolonged exposure to glucose. Over time, this weakness progresses and can eventually cause leaks. In late stages, leakage causes dark spots in the sufferer’s vision.
Not everyone with diabetes with develop diabetic retinopathy; there are a number of variables that influence how likely you are to get it. The type of diabetes you have and how long you’ve had it are contributing factors. Your chances of experiencing diabetic retinopathy also depend to some degree on how often your blood glucose changes, and how well you’re managing your sugars.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Include:
- Shadows in your field of vision
- Eye pain
- Fluctuating vision
- Double vision
- Eye floaters and spots
Managing and Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However there is treatment to alleviate some symptoms. Injections can help reduce inflammation, surgically removing the vitreous gel can help improve vision, and laser treatments can help prevent vision loss.
These treatments work best on eyes that have sustained minimal damage, so early detection is key.
Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease
The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases is to prevent them entirely, so it’s essential for diabetic patients to get an eye exam every year. You can also reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease by maintaining a healthy diet, closely monitoring your blood sugar and blood pressure, quitting smoking, and keeping a close eye on any vision changes.
We’re ready to help you take care of your eyes and avoid diabetic eye disease. Contact us today to book your diabetic eye exam.