Diabetic Eye Care
Caring for Diabetic Eyes
For patients who have diabetes, eye care is especially important. Diabetics should see their eye doctor at least once a year for a dilated eye exam, which can help prevent and combat retinal disease.
Of the approximately 29 million Americans who suffer from diabetes, an estimated 90% will develop diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy is damage to the retina, caused by complications of diabetes, which can eventually lead to blindness. Research indicates that 90% of these cases could be reduced with proper treatment and regular eye exams.
Our technology includes Clarus Widefield Retinal Photography & Zeiss OCT retinal scans to diagnose & treat Diabetic Retinopathy at its earliest stages.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina which can then swell and form deposits. In later stage Diabetic Retinopathy, new blood vessels can grow on the surface of the retina, causing worsening vision problems.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy can include, but are not limited to:
- Floaters
- Difficulty reading or doing close work
- Double vision
- Dark spot in the central vision
- Blurred vision
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, or have developed any new symptoms, contact our office. And even if your vision seems perfect, it is still very important to call us for an annual exam to screen for any early signs of diabetic retinopathy. It is easier to treat diabetic retinopathy successfully if treatment begins prior to any vision loss. Routine annual eye exams are key for all patients with a diagnosis of diabetes.
Treatment For Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated with Laser Photocoagulation, which uses laser surgery to seal off leaking blood vessels and remove unwanted tissue. Laser Photocoagulation is painless and is performed right here in Richmond as an outpatient procedure.