Diabetic Eye Care
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Your Screens May Be Affecting Your Sight
If you have noticed that your eyesight is not what it used to be, it may be time to visit your optometrist. For example, you may notice that your vision is blurry, you can’t read the small print, or you have to hold books further away from your face. You may need an eye exam to check your vision and determine if you can benefit from prescription lenses. If you live in the Alice, TX, area and think you could benefit from an eye exam, visit Alice Family Eye Center.
Diabetic Eye Care from Our Optometrist in Alice, TX
If you suffer from diabetes, you know how difficult it can be to manage this disease and prevent complications. Fortunately, with help from an optometrist, you can get the care you need to manage your diabetes and prevent issues such as diabetic retinopathy from arising. At Alice Family Eye Center, our eye doctor and the rest of our team in Alice, TX, want to help you see clearly and manage your eye health. Whether you need a diabetic eye exam, medications, or emergency care, we’ll be here to provide diabetic eye care!
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. It can cause vision loss and blindness if not treated early and appropriately. Diabetic retinopathy usually happens after years of high blood sugar levels, but it can also occur in people with well-controlled diabetes as well.
The two major types of diabetic retinopathy are nonproliferative and proliferative. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) occurs when tiny blood vessels in your retina become weak and leak fluid or blood into your eye, causing blurry vision and other problems. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) occurs when new abnormal blood vessels form on the surface of the retina and can cause profound vision loss.
How Can a Diabetic Eye Exam Help?
At our eye care center in Alice, TX, we recommend that all people with diabetes come in for regular diabetic eye exams to help diagnose and treat any issues early. During a diabetic eye exam, our optometrist will:
- Measure your visual acuity
- Test for refractive errors
- Check your eyes for signs of retinopathy or other damage due to diabetes
- Assess your eye health and prescribe glasses or contact lenses if needed
- Discuss lifestyle changes you can make to improve your vision and overall health
These comprehensive exams are important to monitor any progression or change in the condition of your eyes and help catch any issues early.
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
At Alice Family Eye Center, our optometrist can create a treatment plan for diabetic retinopathy that fits your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your retinopathy, we may recommend:
- Laser surgery to reduce fluid leakage and scarring
- Injections to reduce swelling in your eye
- Vitrectomy surgery to remove blood from the vitreous cavity of your eye
- Medications such as anti-VEGF drugs to reduce abnormal vessel growth
Experience Better Eye Health Today in Alice, TX
At Alice Family Eye Center, we understand how important it is for people with diabetes to get regular care for their eyes in order to lead healthy lives. We are here to provide you with compassionate and comprehensive diabetic eye care so that you can keep your vision clear and manage your diabetes effectively. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!