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.
Dry eye treatment is important when occasional irritation becomes ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Many individuals experience dryness, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eyes from time to time. However, when symptoms start to affect reading, screen use, or time outdoors, a structured approach to diagnosis and care helps protect comfort and…
Myopia control focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness, primarily in children and teens, to help protect long-term eye health and day-to-day vision. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, which causes distant objects to appear blurry. As the prescription increases, the risk of future eye disease also…
Retinal photography gives optometrists a detailed view of the back of the eye. When done regularly, they are often able to spot early signs of disease before symptoms affect daily vision. This advanced imaging tool helps create a clear record of eye health over time and supports smarter decisions about treatment and follow-up care. Learning…
Red, itchy eyes can affect your everyday comfort and reduce overall well-being. It is important to seek effective vision care from the first sign of irritation. Proper attention to symptoms, underlying causes, and healthy habits ensures stronger long-term eye health and greater day-to-day clarity. Redness and itchiness often stem from several common triggers. These include: Allergic…
Myopia control refers to a group of treatments designed specifically to slow the worsening of…
Dry eye treatment is important when occasional irritation becomes ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily…
Retinal photography turns a routine eye exam into a powerful opportunity to protect vision for…
It is important to seek effective vision care from the first sign of irritation.
New spots or shadows drifting across vision can be unsettling, and sudden changes sometimes require…
Glaucoma treatment plays a vital role in preserving vision and protecting the optic nerve from…