Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes can quietly threaten your vision long before you notice anything is wrong.
Symptoms to watch for
Warning Signs That Warrant Prompt Attention
Diabetes affects far more than blood sugar. Patients with diabetes face a significantly elevated risk of developing serious eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The most important thing to know: these conditions often develop with no noticeable symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Regular eye exams are essential.
Because diabetic eye conditions frequently develop without obvious warning signs, many patients don’t realize anything is wrong until vision loss has already begun. Any of the following warrant prompt evaluation:
Conditions we treat
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes increases the risk of several serious eye conditions:
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to the blood vessels of the retina, and the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Cataracts
Developing earlier and progressing faster in diabetic patients than in the general population.
Glaucoma
Occurring at higher rates in patients with diabetes, making regular screening especially important.
how it develops
What’s Actually Happening Inside Your Eye
Diabetic eye conditions develop in the retina as a result of microvascular abnormalities. High blood sugar levels cause tiny blood vessels within the retina to develop microaneurysms and begin to leak blood. As new blood vessels develop to replace those that are no longer viable, they also leak and can cause hemorrhages and permanent retinal damage. It is actually the lack of oxygen in the blood, and not sugar itself, that ultimately causes vision loss. More than 40 percent of patients with diabetes will develop some form of eye disease in their lifetime.
how we diagnose it
Looking for Changes Before They Affect Your Vision
Diabetic eye conditions are detected through a comprehensive eye exam including:
how we treat it
Early Detection Is the Strongest Protection
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent vision loss from diabetes. With regular eye exams and timely treatment, many diabetic eye conditions can be slowed or managed before they threaten your sight.
Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can also help reduce the risk of developing serious complications. If diabetic retinopathy progresses and advanced treatment becomes necessary, Dr. Manguikian will coordinate care with a retina specialist to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.
For patients with diabetes, annual eye exams are an essential part of protecting long-term vision. The earlier problems are detected, the more options are available to preserve sight and maintain quality of life.
Early detection offers the best chance of preserving your vision.