Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes and eye care go hand in hand. Diabetes is a condition that impacts the smallest blood vessels within the body. The network of blood vessels within your eye are very susceptible to damage which can result in bleeding and swelling. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, you are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. It is recommended by the American Optometric Association that all diabetics receive yearly dilated eye exams. More frequent examination may be required given the severity or progression of any diabetic changes seen in the eye.
Risk factors for developing Diabetic Retinopathy include:
- Duration of having diabetes, the longer you have had it, the more likely changes are
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco use
- Pregnancy
Early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy may not have any symptoms. As the condition worsens in severity it may result in blurred vision, fluctuation in vision, flashes and floaters in vision, blind spots in vision or vision loss.
At Pavletic Eye Care we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams using advanced technology to help detect even the smallest change secondary to diabetes. Co-management with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist is an important part of your care. We will inform your co-managing doctor of how diabetes may be impacting your eye health and vision to ensure your diabetes is being controlled optimally.
Recommended testing for diabetic patients
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Our Topcon 3D OCT1-Maestro allows us to look at the retinal tissue at a microscopic level giving us a much more detailed look at these tissues past what can be seen with the naked eye. This advanced technology allows for early detection of any diabetic changes that may be occurring in the retinal tissues resulting from sub-optimal control of the disease. Diabetes can cause bleeding and swelling of retinal tissues, which is easily detected using the OCT
Retinal Imaging
Our digital retinal camera allows us to take pictures of the internal structures of your eye. We are able to visualize the retina, macula, optic nerve and blood vessels, each of which can be compromised in certain disease processes such as diabetes. These photos are recommended as a baseline for the doctor to follow disease progression over time.
