Diabetes
-
- Tweet
If you suffer from diabetes, you’re at risk for eye complications like diabetic retinopathy, so it’s crucial that you have regular diabetic eye exams with an experienced ophthalmologist. At Des Peres Eye Center, our ophthalmology team is experienced in comprehensive diabetic eye screenings, including the latest state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) testing. Book your appointment by calling the office today.
Diabetes Q & A
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetes, can cause serious eye problems. But, in its early stages, you may not have any symptoms. Often, diabetic retinopathy is found during a diabetic eye exam rather than through symptoms.
When diabetic retinopathy is more advanced, you may suffer from the following symptoms.
- Blurry vision
- Poor color vision
- Dark areas in your vision
- Floaters (spots in your vision)
- Vision loss
If you notice the signs of diabetic retinopathy, contact Des Peres Eye Center to schedule a diabetic eye screening as soon as possible.
When should I have a diabetic eye exam?
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following diabetic eye exam guidelines.
- Type 1 diabetes: First eye exam within five years of diagnosis for all sufferers over age 10
- Type 2 diabetes: First eye exam after diagnosis
- Yearly diabetic eye screenings for all diabetes sufferers
Your Des Peres Eye Center ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent screenings if you have signs of diabetic retinopathy or cataracts, which are also common in diabetics.
What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
A diabetic eye exam at Des Peres Eye Center is a comprehensive screening that includes:
- Visual acuity testing to look for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other problems
- Eyeglasses testing to determine your proper prescription
- Dilated eye exam to check your inner eyes
If your dilated eye exam reveals symptoms of damage or if diabetic eye damage is suspected, your Des Peres Eye Center ophthalmologist can perform optical coherence tomography (OTC) testing.
OTC testing is like a CT scan for your eyes. With the detailed images from an OCT exam, your ophthalmologist can see all of your retina’s layers. By comparing the thickness of your retinal layers to healthy retinal layers, your ophthalmologist can determine whether you have diabetic retinopathy or another type of retina damage.
What happens if I have diabetic retinopathy?
If your Des Peres Eye Center ophthalmologist diagnoses you with diabetic retinopathy, the most important thing is getting treatment right away. Des Peres Eye Center works with local retina specialists who can treat your diabetic retinopathy promptly and effectively.
Of course, it’s also very important to continue proper diabetes management with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Managing diabetes is a joint effort between you and your care providers.
For a diabetic eye exam from a highly experienced ophthalmologist, call Des Peres Eye Center today.
