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Diabetic Eye Disease

If you have diabetes, you also risk developing diabetic eye disease. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eye. The damage to these retinal vessels is called diabetic retinopathy.

Thanks to improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, only a small percentage of people with diabetic retinopathy will experience serious vision problems. If you have diabetes, the best way to lower your risk of vision loss is to carefully control your blood sugar (as directed by your primary care physician) and schedule routine eye checkups and diabetes eye tests with your ophthalmologist. Do a quick search for "diabetic eye exam near me" and you will find us! THE RETINA SERVICE AT CLARUS offers diabetic eye tests and diabetic eye disease treatment. Learn more below!

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Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

A diabetic eye examination by a skilled ophthalmologist is the only way to diagnose diabetic eye disease. If your ophthalmologist finds evidence of diabetic retinopathy during your exam, your doctor may take additional steps (such as photographing the retina or special testing) to determine if you need treatment. If diabetic eye disease is diagnosed early, we can start treatment before any vision problems develop. We cannot stress this enough: if you are diabetic, please come in often for a routine diabetic eye exam in order to safeguard your sight.

 

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), also known as background retinopathy, is the first stage of diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, tiny blood vessels in the eye leak blood or fluid. The leaking fluid causes the retina to swell or to form deposits called exudates. Many people with diabetes can have mild NPDR, which usually does not affect their vision. When vision is affected it is usually the result of macular edema and/or macular ischemia.

  • Macular edema refers to swelling or thickening of the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly. The swelling is caused by fluid leaking from the tiny blood vessels. It is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetes. Vision loss may be mild to severe, but even in the worst cases, peripheral vision is still maintained.
  • Macular ischemia occurs when small blood vessels called capillaries close. This may cause blurry vision because the macula no longer receives sufficient blood flow to work properly.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is caused by widespread loss of retinal blood flow. To supply blood to the area where blood loss occurred, the retina begins to grow new blood vessels. The growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina or optic nerve is a process called neovascularization. Unfortunately, the new, abnormal blood vessels do not supply the retina with normal blood flow. Over time these abnormal blood vessels can lead to scarring, wrinkling or even a detachment of the retina. Because PDR can affect both central and peripheral vision, patients with PDR may experience more severe vision loss than those with NPDR. That’s why it’s so important that you get in for a routine diabetes eye test, especially if you notice any changes in your vision.

 

Vitreous hemorrhage

Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when the fragile new vessels bleed into the vitreous, a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye. If the vitreous hemorrhage is small, a person might only see a few new dark floaters, but a very large hemorrhage could block out the majority of vision.

Tractional retinal detachment

Tractional retinal detachment results when scar tissue from new blood vessel growth contract, causing the retina to pull away from its normal position This can lead to visual distortion or more severe vision loss if the macula or large areas of the retina detach from the back of the eye.

Neovascular glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma occurs when the new, abnormal blood vessels grow and block the normal flow of fluid out of the eye. If left untreated, the pressure builds up inside the eye causing damage to the optic nerve, resulting in glaucoma.

Where do I go for the best diabetic eye exam near me?

While most vision clinics may offer a diabetes eye test, it’s a good idea to find a comprehensive eye care center with skilled vision care specialists who can provide advanced treatment in the event your eyes are impacted by diabetes. If you’re in Olympia or Washington’s South Sound area, contact Clarus Eye Centre for a diabetic eye exam.

Where can I find a diabetic eye exam near me?

Start by searching for a diabetic eye screening clinic. While most vision clinics may offer a diabetes eye test, it’s a good idea to find a comprehensive eye care center with skilled specialists who can provide advanced treatment in the event your eyes are impacted by diabetes. If you’re in Olympia or Washington’s South Sound area, contact Clarus Eye Centre for an eye exam and indicate you need a diabetic eye screening.