When people think of diabetes, they tend to think of limbs. One of the first side effects is itching in the feet, and then a loss of sensation there. But the eyes can also be greatly affected. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy (DR) can lead to blindness. That's why it's important to have your vision regularly checked by an optometrist. If you live in the Tampa or Riverview, FL, area, come to Optics Soho for eye exams by a skilled eye doctor.
The Exam
It's important to get regular eye exams, especially if you're diabetic. Your eye doctor can catch DR early, before there's any noticeable bleeding of the blood vessels in the eye, or even worse, any scarring in the back of the eye. If caught early, diabetic eye disease can be treated. The same goes for other conditions, like glaucoma or cataracts.
The diabetic eye exam is a lot like the traditional one, with the optometrist dilating your eyes to make sure there's nothing that can potentially cause problems in the future.
Treatment
The main thing to keep in mind is that you need to go to these eye exams on a regular basis, especially if you have been diagnosed with DR. If it's mild, you can also slow the progression by closely managing your diabetes. Always monitor your blood sugar and take insulin when needed.
If it's progressed, then there are options like having medication injected into your eyes, which will slow the growth of new blood vessels in your eyes. There is also photocoagulation, which involves focal laser treatment, which slows any leakage of blood from the vessels or any fluid build-up in the eye. Another form of this is called panretinal photocoagulation, which is scatter laser treatment. It shrinks any abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
While diabetes is a scary disease to have, medicine and technology have made it much easier to manage. If you do that, then your eyes will be in good shape for a lot longer than before. Having skilled eye doctors is very important and can help preserve your vision. Then you can focus on staying healthy overall.
Visit Our Optometrist Near You Today
At Optics Soho, we want the residents of Tampa or Riverview, FL, to have the best eye health, especially if they have diabetes. Contact us today to make an appointment.
