Diabetic Eye Exams Specialist

When do I need diabetic eye exams?

The American Diabetes Association® recommends having a dilated eye exam immediately after you receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis or within five years of your type 1 diabetes diagnosis. 

Around 20% of type 2 diabetics already have eye issues by the time of their diagnosis, which is why quick action is needed to avoid further problems. 

Following your initial diabetic eye exam, you should have annual comprehensive eye exams. Your Eye Care & Surgery doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you have diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, or other serious eye issues.

What kind of eye problems does diabetes cause?

Diabetes causes diabetic eye disease, which is a group of conditions that may cause serious problems, including blindness. Three conditions diabetics may have are diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease, and it’s one of the leading causes of blindness today. In this disease, diabetes damages your retinal blood vessels. The blood vessels grow weaker, and the walls might bulge and start leaking fluid. 

If diabetic retinopathy progresses, your retinal blood vessels grow blocked, and your eye starts growing new blood vessels to replace them. But the new blood vessels are abnormal and highly damaging to your eyes. Without treatment, retinal detachment and other serious complications are possible.

Glaucoma

The same new blood vessel growth connected to diabetic retinopathy can contribute to a rise in eye pressure, which can, in turn, cause optic nerve damage (glaucoma).

Cataracts

A high glucose level, as in diabetes, can contribute to the accumulation of deposits within the natural lens of your eye. These deposits cloud the lens, a condition known as cataracts. 

Other diabetic eye complications can include, dry eyes and macular edema. While the symptoms are frustrating, the good news is that Eye Care & Surgery offers the best in advanced diabetic eye disease diagnosis and solutions to help you maintain your sight.

How is diabetic eye disease treated?

Treatment for diabetic eye disease depends on the specific condition, your symptoms, and your health needs. Laser surgery can be a great option for diabetic retinopathy. It can diminish your risk of vision loss by as much as 90%. 

For cataracts, cataract surgery, followed by an intraocular lens (IOL) replacement, is the most effective way to maintain clear sight. 

Glaucoma treatment depends on how advanced the glaucoma is. You might simply need prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure. 

Each case is unique, so your Eye Care & Surgery eye doctor customizes diabetic eye care for you. Book online or by phone today.

Do you suffer from Cataracts? Ask us how Cataract Surgery can help you today.