Diabetes can have profound effects on various parts of the body, including the eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Effective eye care, including diabetic eye treatment, is crucial for preserving vision and maintaining overall eye health. Addressing eye health proactively and managing diabetes effectively can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome.
At Central Florida Eye Institute, Dr. Thomas Croley specializes in comprehensive diabetic eye treatment. He understands the unique challenges that diabetes can pose to your vision and overall eye health. With state-of-the-art technology and personalized care, Dr. Croley aims to manage and treat diabetic eye conditions to preserve your sight and enhance your quality of life. Discover how Dr. Croley can help you safeguard your vision and improve your quality of life through specialized diabetic eye treatment.
When is a Diabetic Eye Exam Needed?
Diabetes can cause visual problems and blindness. It’s actually one of the leading causes of blindness in people in their 50s and younger. As we age and live with diabetes, we are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy of the small blood vessels and arteries in the eye, as well as other eye problems.
Eye Diseases Caused by Diabetes
Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, transient blurring, and changes in blood vessels of the retina can affect the eyes of diabetic patients. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes when blood vessels nourishing the retina begin to deteriorate.
In the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy, sight is not seriously affected, and the condition does not progress in 80% of people with diabetes. Regular comprehensive eye exams can protect against the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
What Are Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
It is possible to have early diabetic retinopathy and be asymptomatic, which is why it is so important to visit your ophthalmologist annually. Signs that you may have this retinal problem include:
- Floaters or dark spots in your vision
- Blurry or double-vision
- Flashes in your vision
- Pressure or pain in one or both of your eyes when you blink
- Blank spots (vision loss) in parts of your field of vision
Who Is At Risk For Diabetic Retinopathy?
If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. It is believed that the risk of this ocular condition increases the longer a person has diabetes. That said, even pregnant women with gestational diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. There is also an increased risk of this condition if you have high blood pressure or you smoke.
What are the Different Types of Diabetic Retinopathy?
There are two types of diabetic retinopathy that may develop. These are nonproliferative and proliferative. Essentially, they are two stages of diabetic retinopathy, not two completely different types.
Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy is an early-stage disease in which fluid is leaking from swollen blood vessels in the eye.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an advanced form of the disease in which new blood vessels grow on the retina. These blood vessels are abnormal and weak, so they may also release blood into the center of the eye.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?
It is not possible to guarantee the prevention of diabetic retinopathy. That said, it’s worth a try. There are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition. Knowing that having diabetes puts you at risk of diabetic retinopathy, steps toward prevention should be implemented as soon as possible. These include taking the necessary steps to control your blood sugar. This may involve making changes to your diet, exercising regularly, taking insulin or other medications as directed, testing your blood sugar regularly, and seeing your eye doctor at least once a year for a thorough eye exam that observes your retina, macula, and optic nerve.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy Curable?
No. If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, your ophthalmologist will create an ongoing treatment plan to slow or halt the progression of the disease. It is imperative that you are consistent with your diabetes management as well as your ophthalmic treatment program in order to preserve your eyesight.
How Are Diabetic Eye Diseases Diagnosed?
Many diabetic patients with early diabetic retinopathy will not notice any visual problems. Diabetic retinopathy may be affecting only one eye, so a person is unaware of their condition because we function with both eyes at the same time. Other times vision may decrease slowly and again a person is unaware of this gradual change. It is important to keep blood sugar stable. Fluctuation in blood sugar can cause visual disturbances.
How to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy
When diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, Dr. Croley will monitor or treat the type of diabetic retinopathy you have. The treatment may vary from periodic exams to laser treatments, as well as medications that may stabilize or even improve vision. The laser treatment used to seal off the damaged blood vessels will not restore vision that is already lost due to diabetes, but will stabilize and stop the progression of the disease in the eye.
It is still strongly advised that diabetics of any age have a complete exam on a yearly basis even if they are a well controlled diabetic. Uncontrolled diabetics need to be seen more often.
Why Choose Central Florida Eye Institute?
When it comes to eye care, choosing the right facility and specialist can make all the difference in maintaining and improving your vision. At Central Florida Eye Institute, located in Ocala, you’ll find a premier eye care facility known for its cutting-edge technology, expert care, and commitment to patient outcomes. Here’s why you should consider us for your eye health needs:
Thomas L. Croley, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, PRK eye surgery, and intraocular lens implantation. His expertise and dedication to patient care have made him a trusted name in ophthalmology.
Industry-Leading Expertise: Our institute is Marion County’s first Ambulatory Outpatient Care Center, renowned for its excellence in eye care. Dr. Croley is at the forefront of ophthalmology, participating in numerous FDA clinical studies to enhance the effectiveness of eye medications and treatments.
Professional Affiliations: Dr. Croley is an esteemed member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, and the Florida Ophthalmic Society. His commitment to these professional organizations underscores his dedication to staying current with the latest advances in eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the risks of not getting regular eye exams for diabetic retinopathy?
Not getting regular eye exams for diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision problems, including blindness. Diabetic retinopathy often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Without early detection and treatment, the condition can cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss.
What should I expect during a diabetic eye exam?
During a diabetic eye exam, your ophthalmologist will perform several tests to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy. These may include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam to inspect the retina and optic nerve and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography. The dilation process involves using special eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing the doctor to get a better view of the back of your eye.
How often should I get diabetic eye exams?
Individuals with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Depending on the severity of your condition and your risk factors, your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent exams. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy.
Take Control of Your Eye Health in Ocala, FL
If you have diabetes and are concerned about your eye health, or if you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, contact us today. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Croley by calling 352-237-8400. Early detection is the best way to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.