What Is Diabetic Eye Care?
Diabetes can greatly impact your overall health, especially your ocular health and eyesight. Without undergoing routine eye exams, you have an increased risk of experiencing serious eye conditions, like cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy (impairment to blood vessels within the eye). If not properly treated in time, many of these conditions can cause partial or total vision loss. For patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, we highly recommend working with an eye doctor who knows how to manage these eye problems before they cause irreversible damage. During a consultation, our Lake Worth, FL ophthalmologists can assess, diagnose, suppress, and control eye diseases before you experience severe issues. Serving the Lake Worth, FL, and Delray Beach, FL, communities, please schedule an appointment with our diabetic eye care specialists at Palm Beach Eye Center to learn more about your options.
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What Are Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease?
Over time, increased blood sugar levels that are never regulated can cause serious damage to the veins within your eyes. High sugar levels can make the blood vessels become inflamed or enlarged and drain into the eye. When this happens, your eye's blood pressure increases and may lead to permanent impairment and scarring. If you struggle with blood sugar issues, we highly recommend scheduling routine exams with one of our diabetic eye specialists in Lake Worth, FL. Most diabetic eye conditions do not exhibit symptoms until they have caused significant damage. Common symptoms of diabetic eye disease include:
- Problems with vision loss
- Reduced vision
- Dark areas in the field of vision
- Floaters
- Photopsia or flashes of light in your peripheral vision
- Deuteranopia or color blindness
Connect with our eye doctor for diabetic patients in Delray Beach, FL, to schedule an appointment.
Who is an ideal candidate for diabetic eye care?
A good candidate for diabetic eye care is those who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or those who are diabetic and haven't had an eye exam in over a year. It is also important to schedule an exam if you start noticing symptoms like reduced vision, floaters, dark areas in your field of vision, or color blindness. Our eye doctor for diabetic patients in Delray Beach, FL, will work with you to help you maintain what vision you have and provide treatments that keep your vision at an optimal level. For more information on the effect on the eyes due to diabetes and how to get the proper eye care, schedule an appointment with our team.
How Are Diabetic Eye Conditions Managed?
At Palm Beach Eye Center, our expert team of eye doctors for diabetic patients in Delray Beach, FL, completes annual eye exams, which could include a variety of diagnostic techniques to assess your overall eye health and reduce the chances of vision loss. Generally, we have to dilate your eyes with special eye drops to closely review the internal structures of your eye, like the retina. In some cases, patients may require a tonometry test to evaluate their intraocular pressure or the eye's blood pressure. This particular test will allow us to determine if you have glaucoma and treat it. Additionally, our eye doctors may perform visual acuity tests to establish a baseline and track any vision changes. Based on your type of diabetic eye condition, you may need medications, eye injections, laser treatments, or other procedures.
Diabetic Eye Care FAQ
What types of eye problems are caused by diabetes?
Diabetes puts you at risk for a group of eye problems, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular edema
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Can you reverse vision loss from diabetes?
Typically, vision loss related to diabetes is caused by diabetic retinopathy. Damage caused by diabetic retinopathy can’t be reversed; however, if caught early enough, you can take measures to protect your vision. That’s why our experienced doctors at Palm Beach Eye Center stress the importance of regular eye exams, especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes.
Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?
Because diabetes is typically a lifelong condition, diabetic retinopathy will always be a concern and will require regular testing and treatment. While it can’t be cured, there are several treatments for diabetic retinopathy, including:
- Medications
- Eye injections
- Laser treatments
- And others...
How long does it take to go blind from diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy damages the back of the retina. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to blindness, but this often takes several years. If you have diabetes, it is imperative to always get regular eye exams to protect your vision and catch any issues early. Schedule a consultation to receive diabetes treatment in Lake Worth, FL, that you can rely on.
How long does it take to develop diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy usually develops about 3 – 5 years after someone develops diabetes.
What are the best ways to protect your eyes if you have diabetes?
The best thing you can do for your eyes is to keep your diabetes well-maintained and stay healthy. To protect your eye health, you should:
- Get regular eye exams
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Monitor your blood sugar and keep it under control
- Monitor and control blood pressure
- Regularly check cholesterol levels
- Drink plenty of water
Preserve Your Vision and Eye Health
Scheduling yearly appointments with your Lake Worth, FL ophthalmologist could prevent long-term damage to your eyesight. Just as you schedule appointments with your general physician to monitor your diabetes, we want to emphasize the importance of scheduling appointments with our eye doctors. Careful monitoring will help us detect changes and reduce your chances of partial or total vision loss. Because most diabetic eye conditions do not have early warning signs, you should make eye exams a part of your diabetes management. Please call Palm Beach Eye Center in Lake Worth, FL, and near Delray Beach, FL, to learn more about your treatment options.