Sometimes patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy are unaware when they arrive at SoCal Optometry in Riverside, CA that they have experienced any changes in their vision. However, diabetes remains the number one cause of vision loss among American adults. Our optometrist stresses the importance of regular diabetic eye exams for those with diabetes.
Overview of Diabetic Retinopathy
Patients with diabetic retinopathy lose their vision as the disease advances and destroy the eye’s retina. Tiny blood vessels in the retinal lining begin to leak proteins, blood, and other fluid because of elevated levels of blood sugar. The body sometimes responds by creating more leaky vessels. The blurred vision that patients experience is linked to retinal swelling caused by fluid.
Retinopathy can affect both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. The risk of the disease grows in proportion to the amount of time diabetes has been present. Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are subtle and can often only be identified by an experienced optometrist. As the disease progresses, patients experience the following symptoms:
- Floaters or spots
- Blurred vision
- Problems with night vision
- Black spots or holes in the field of vision
- Difficulty perceiving colors
When retinopathy is uncontrolled, potential complications include glaucoma, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy occurs only after a comprehensive vision exam by our eye doctor and an assessment of your health history. The exam includes an assessment of your visual acuity, internal eye pressure, and the structures in each of your eyes.
Successfully regulating a diabetic patient’s blood sugar levels can slow the development and advancement of this eye disease. Treatment recommendations will vary depending on the severity of your condition. In the early stages, the typical treatment is regular monitoring and changes in corrective eyewear when needed. Helpful self-care includes taking prescribed medications precisely as prescribed. Medications to block the development of new blood vessels are also available. Laser surgery to stop leakage and to destroy new blood vessels is used to address severe cases of diabetic retinopathy.
Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam with Our Optometrist in Riverside, CA
Patients can take a proactive approach to protecting their vision by scheduling regular exams with our optometrist. Our team at SoCal Optometry diagnoses and treats a wide range of vision issues, and will identify the source of your vision difficulties and provide you with the most effective possible treatment. For more information on diabetic retinopathy or to schedule a diabetic eye exam with our optometrist, call us today at (951) 687-7100.