If you have diabetes, there are several conditions you need to look out for. One condition is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels damage your retinal blood vessels. In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy might not present any symptoms. However, it can result in blindness if left untreated.
Are you struggling with diabetic retinopathy? Don't hesitate to contact our optometry team at Eye Care Center LTD, serving the residents of Addison , Burbank, and Willowbrook, IL. Our eye doctors will conduct a comprehensive diabetic eye exam to diagnose diabetic retinopathy in its early stages.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages, symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may be difficult to notice. However, as the condition progresses, you may develop the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Poor night vision
- Seeing dark spots in your vision
- Changes in color perception
- Spots or floaters
- Vision loss
It's worth noting that diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes. If you have diabetes, schedule frequent eye exams to preserve your vision. Individuals with diabetic retinopathy may require a comprehensive diabetic eye exam every two to four months.
How Eye Doctors Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy
Our eye doctors can detect diabetic retinopathy during a dilated eye exam. This diabetic eye exam is a fast and painless procedure. During this exam, our eye doctors will dilate your pupils with eye drops. Afterward, our optometrists check your eyes for diabetic retinopathy and other eye complications.
If our eye doctors detect diabetic retinopathy, we may conduct a test known as fluorescein angiography. These tests allow our eye doctors to assess the blood flow in your retina.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
During the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy, our eye doctors will monitor the condition of your eye health. The first step to managing diabetic retinopathy is to control blood sugar levels through proper nutrition and medication. The other treatments include:
- Medications: Prescribed medications slow down the swelling of the macula, stopping vision loss.
- Laser surgery: Laser surgery reduces inflammation in the retina by shrinking and sealing off leaky blood vessels.
Our eye doctors may use more than one treatment to manage diabetic retinopathy.
Visit Us for a Diabetic Eye Exam in Addison , Burbank or Willowbrook
If you suspect you have diabetic retinopathy, seek treatment today. Our optometrists at Eye Care Center LTD in Addison , Burbank, and Willowbrook have the technology and expertise to manage diabetic retinopathy to preserve your vision. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.