Diabetic Eye Disease Care

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Compared with the general population, people with diabetes are 25-30 times more likely to lose their sight from retinopathy, cataracts, or glaucoma. There may not be any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, which is why it’s essential to see an eye doctor regularly for eye exams. At Lawrenceville Family Eyecare, we can diagnose diabetic eye disease and provide a treatment plan that manages the disease while promoting optimal eye health.  

 

The Development of Diabetic Eye Disease 

Blurry vision may be an indication that you are suffering from diabetes. It’s important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilating the pupils. This procedure allows the eye doctor to check your eye’s blood vessels for unusual changes. If your eye doctor notices changes caused by diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, they can recommend treatment to save your sight. 

 

The longer you have diabetes, the greater the chances you will develop diabetic eye disease. That’s why Prevent Blindness America recommends that people with insulin-dependent diabetes see an eye doctor annually for diabetic retinopathy beginning 5 years after the onset of diabetes (but generally not before puberty). People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes should see their eye doctor soon after being diagnosed with diabetes. Often, these people have had diabetes for a long time and never knew it. 

 

Risk Factors for Diabetic Eye Disease 

    • High blood pressure and poor control of blood sugar levels can increase your risk of blindness. Both are associated with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy or cataracts. Research is being done to find out if managing blood sugar levels or high blood pressure will prevent or stop the progression of diabetic eye disease. It’s always vital that you keep your diabetes in good control and follow your doctor’s advice in treating your high blood pressure. 
    • People who are of Hispanic, African American, and Native-American descent are more likely to develop diabetes. African Americans are also five times more likely to develop glaucoma. Talk to your family and find out if anyone in your family has diabetes and suffers from diabetic eye disease. At your next doctor’s appointment, make sure to share your family’s medical eye history with your eye doctor. 
    • Pregnant women with diabetes should see their eye doctor during their pregnancy. While scientists are still unsure why, pregnancy seems to increase a woman’s risk of developing and even accelerating diabetic retinopathy. 

Treating Diabetic Eye Disease 

Investigators have found that diabetic eye disease does not follow a predictable course. Studies sponsored by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health showed that the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is, preventing serious vision loss in 90 percent of those treated.  

 

The best protection against diabetic eye disease is to find and treat it early. For diabetics, an eye exam with dilation by an eye care specialist should be conducted at least once a year. 

 

Contact our Lawrenceville eyecare center to schedule your exam today and take control of your eye health and vision.