Diabetic Eye Care Specialist

How does diabetes affect eye health?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which your body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter your cells to be converted into energy. That allows excess glucose to build up within your blood.

High glucose can increase the level of fluids in your eye, causing pressure levels to rise. The tiny blood vessels in the back portion of your eyes can begin to leak, causing swelling. New blood vessels can develop but are often weaker than normal. 

There are four main types of diabetic eye disease:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma than people without diabetes. 

What is a diabetic eye exam and why is it important?

People with diabetes have a distinct set of health needs, especially when it comes to eye health. Once you receive a diagnosis of diabetes, coming in for routine diabetic eye exams should become part of your overall health care. 

A full dilated eye exam is part of the process. It allows Dr. Choi to use a special magnifying lens to examine the rear portion of your eye. He’ll also measure the pressure within each eye and perform a routine vision check. Additional screenings are available based on your overall health and the results of these initial tests.

If you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you should have your first diabetic eye exam within five years of diagnosis. People with Type 2 diabetes should begin coming in for diabetic eye exam immediately after being diagnosed. 

What are some treatments for diabetic eye disease?

Your treatment depends on the type of eye disease you have and your overall health. Medication can address abnormal blood vessel growth within your eye and stop fluid leakage. These medications are administered via a series of injections in the eye, but numbing medication prevents you from feeling pain during the injections. 

Laser therapy is another approach and can prevent your vision from worsening. One technique, called focal/grid laser treatment, alters a small area of your retina to improve diabetic macular edema. Another technique, called scatter laser treatment, alters a larger area of your retina to improve proliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

If you develop cataracts, cataract lens surgery replaces your damaged natural lens with a clear artificial one. Most people experience significantly restored vision after this procedure. 

When you’re ready to explore treatment options for diabetic eye disease, call Renew Eye Clinic to schedule a visit. Online booking is available, or you can always call to check appointment availability.