Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, occurs when blood vessels in the retina change. Sometimes these vessels swell and leak fluid or even close off completely. You can have diabetic retinopathy and not be aware of it, since the early stages of diabetic retinopathy often don't have symptoms. It can cause loss of vision, blurred vision, spots or dots in your vision, or other symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with one of several types of laser surgery, medications, or an operation called a vitrectomy. Careful management of your diabetes is the best way to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, see your eye doctor for a yearly diabetic screening that includes a dilated exam — even if your vision seems fine — because it's important to detect diabetic retinopathy in the early stages.
At GTOC, your diabetic eye exam will include dilation of your eyes to check for early signs of disease. We have the latest technology in diagnostic equipment including OCT retinal scanning. We can offer you treatments that will help to preserve your sight.
Come See For Yourself what it means to get care from one of the doctors at GTOC.
If you are a diabetic, having your eyes examined at least once a year through dilated pupils, controlling your blood sugar levels and blood pressure are the best ways to lessen the danger of advanced retinopathy.
Additional resources:
Eyesmart - www.getsmarteyes.org/eyesmart
National Eye Institute - www.nei.nih.gov