A diabetic eye exam can be a life and vision saver for a diabetic. Diabetes is a serious disease and one that can be difficult to manage. Medication, proper diet and exercise, and regular medical care can be helpful for controlling blood sugar levels and reducing serious damage to the body. In spite of best efforts, however, sometimes conditions develop that diabetics can find scary and confusing. Diabetic retinopathy is one that can be confirmed in a thorough exam.
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease in which the optic nerve to the retina begins to deteriorate. High blood sugar can weaken and thin the blood vessels in the eye. High blood pressure, frequently a side effect of high blood sugar, can cause bleeding within the eye as the pressure pushes it through the thin vessel walls. This can cause darkening of vision and untreated, can lead to glaucoma or cataracts or make those conditions worse.
There are several things that can lead a person to suspect they have diabetic retinopathy. Although some are also symptoms of other things, a person with diabetes should never overlook any of these:
An optometrist can perform a series of tests to see how severe the damage is and make an assessment as to possible treatments. The first thing a doctor is likely to do is to dilate the eyes so that the back of the retina can be seen. A special dye is injected that makes the blood glow, rendering it more visible in the pictures that are taken. The doctor typically also checks the pressure in the eye as a baseline to monitor the possible complication of glaucoma. A standard vision test may also be given to judge progress or deterioration of vision during treatments.
Focus or scatter laser treatments may be administered to help cauterize active bleeds and shrink swollen vessels. There may be injections given in the eye that can help to “dry up” or dissolve the bleeding. If none of these treatments clear the vision field, a vitrectomy may be performed. This procedure essentially removes the debris-filled fluid and scar tissue in the eye and replaces it with clean fluid. The recovery period can be around two weeks.
Prevention through maintaining lower blood sugar levels and getting blood pressure down so it doesn’t cause bleeding in the eye are critical steps to avoiding this potentially blinding disease. Make sure to have a regular diabetic eye exam and go in as soon as possible if any of the above symptoms occur. This will give you the best chance of getting on top of the problem.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net/ or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When it comes to eyewear, safety glasses and regular glasses serve different purposes. The primary difference is that safety glasses protect the eyes from hazardous activities or environments, while the primary purpose of regular glasses is vision correction. Understanding the other key distinctions between the two is essential for selecting your desired type.Safety glasses are…
Cataract treatment from an optometrist can preserve or even enhance visual clarity. Although cataracts are most common in patients over age 40, they can affect those of all ages. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of this common condition and when certain treatments may be needed. Early diagnosis and cataract treatment…
Eyeglasses are a significant investment, and finding the right balance between style and functionality will make all the difference in your daily wear experience. Visiting an optometrist’s office gives you access to expert advice and guidance. However, it helps to know what factors make a pair of eyeglasses suited to your personal style preferences, lifestyle,…
Transitions lenses are an adaptive choice for prescription eyeglasses. Although you can purchase two pairs of eyeglasses — clear prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses — it can be a hassle to lug them around and repeatedly have to switch between them. Not only do transitions lenses eliminate this inconvenience, but they also offer a plethora…
When it comes to eyewear, safety glasses and regular glasses serve different purposes. The primary difference is that safety glasses protect the eyes from hazardous activities or environments, while the primary purpose of regular glasses is vision correction. Understanding the other key distinctions between the two is essential for selecting your desired type.Safety glasses are…
Cataract treatment from an optometrist can preserve or even enhance visual clarity. Although cataracts are most common in patients over age 40, they can affect those of all ages. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of this common condition and when certain treatments may be needed. Early diagnosis and cataract treatment…