Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, can significantly impact eye health. Read on to discover how our comprehensive diabetic eye care can help manage and mitigate the effects of this disease on your vision.
Understanding diabetes: types and risks
Diabetes comes in 2 primary forms: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, often diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes, the more common form, usually develops in adults and is characterized by the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Risk factors include a family history of diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet.
Diabetes and eye health
Diabetes can have severe implications for eye health, primarily due to high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can lead to several eye conditions, most notably diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not managed properly.
Complications and symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye complication associated with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, and even bleeding. Other complications include diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
Causes and management of diabetic eye conditions
The main cause of diabetic eye complications is prolonged high blood sugar levels. Managing your diabetes well is crucial to preventing these complications. Some tips include:
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine
- Monitor your blood sugar levels consistently
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Importance of regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are essential for individuals with diabetes to detect early signs of eye complications and prevent severe damage. To monitor your eye health closely and address any issues promptly, we recommend that diabetic patients undergo a full medical eye exam with dilation every 6-12 months.
Advanced diabetic eyecare services
We utilize specialized equipment to provide top-notch diabetic eye care. Our services include:
- Dilated eye exams: crucial for a thorough examination of the retina
- Retinal photography: detailed images of the retina to detect and monitor changes
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT), provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, essential for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic retinopathy.
These scans are quick and painless, taking just a few seconds, similar to taking a regular photograph.
Schedule your appointment today
To ensure your eyes are healthy and well-cared for, schedule an appointment today. You can also contact us to discuss your needs and receive personalized care.
