Diabetic Eye Care
Did You Know?
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among U.S. adults ages 20-74.
Diabetic Eye Care Q&A
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to produce or use a hormone called insulin. When your body turns the food you eat into energy (also called sugar or glucose), insulin is released to help transport this energy into the cells. Insulin acts as a “key” and tells the cells in your body to open and receive glucose. If you produce little or no insulin, or are insulin resistant, too much sugar remains in your blood. Blood glucose levels are higher than normal for individuals with diabetes.
If the sugar can’t get into the cell, it remains in your blood and can damage your blood vessels and organs. This also applies to the eye, in which the back layer of the eye called the retina contains tiny blood vessels that are highly susceptible to blood sugar damage. If these vessels are damaged, it can lead to bleeding inside the eye, which can cause permanent vision loss.
A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye exam performed to evaluate the health of your eyes and your risk for blood sugar related eye conditions.
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy can have no noticeable symptoms, so our doctors at First Class Eye Care recommend a comprehensive diabetic exam once a year to help monitor your eye health.
Your examination will begin with a thorough review of your medical history. Our doctors will then assess your vision, and use special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This allows our doctors to perform a complete retinal evaluation to ensure your eyes are healthy and have no signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Our doctors will partner with your primary care doctor and/or endocrinologist and fax over a report of the results of your examination.
Early detection is key. The first step to help prevent and manage diabetic eye problems is to have a dilated eye exam at least once each year.
To schedule your diabetic eye exam, call First Class Eye Care or request an appointment online today.
Our doctors will partner with your primary care doctor and/or endocrinologist and fax over a report of the results of your examination.
Early detection is key. The first step to help prevent and manage diabetic eye problems is to have a dilated eye exam at least once each year.
To schedule your diabetic eye exam, call First Class Eye Care or request an appointment online today.