Diabetic Eye Exam

How Your Eye Doctor Can Keep Diabetes from Ruining Your Eyesight

Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels. This is especially true of the blood vessels in your eyes. Complications caused by diabetes are a leading cause of blindness in the United States. The comprehensive professional staffs at Sylvan Eye Associates in Modesto, CA understand how diabetes can affect your eyesight. Here is some information to help you understand the seriousness of these effects.

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The Importance of the Retina to Your Eyesight

The retina is integral in communicating what you are looking at to the brain. Sitting along the back inside wall of your eye, your retina takes the information contained in the light entering your eye and converts it into neural signals. It sends this information through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals into images. Any damage to your retina affects your sight. 

Your Diabetes Can Lead to Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if left untreated. But with routine diabetic eye exams and controlling your diabetes, early blindness can be averted. 

Diabetes is known to cause damage to blood vessels. Sugar buildup in the tiny blood vessels in your eyes can cause them to leak. Your eye may try to compensate by growing new blood vessels. These new blood vessels do not work as well and are not as strong as the original ones. They also may begin leaking. A leaky blood vessel in your retina distorts your vision and can lead to complete loss of eyesight. 

If you have diabetes, it is important that you have regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can set up a schedule that takes into consideration your various health issues. 

Symptoms and Complications Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy

Symptoms usually are not noticeable until the condition is in an advanced state. The symptoms usually will appear in both eyes.

  • Problems with seeing in color
  • Vision becomes blurry
  1. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye pressure condition that affects the optic nerve. As new blood vessels are formed, the regular flow of fluid in the eye can become blocked. The blocked fluid increases the pressure inside your eye. The increased pressure can cause damage to your optic nerve. 
  2. Vitreous hemorrhage: Leaky blood vessels can fill the eye with fluid that keeps light from reaching your retina. 

Diabetics Should Have Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

The serious vision complications caused by diabetes makes it imperative that you have regular eye examinations. The optometrist and ophthalmologist at Sylvan Eye Associates in Modesto, CA are trained to find any complications that diabetes may be causing your vision. The total eye care we provide can save your vision. Call us to make an appointment at (209) 575-2020 or come on in if you have an eye emergency. 

 

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  • "The staff at Sylvan Vision is always friendly and helpful. The selection of frames is also excellent. Their location is convenient and easy to find. I recommend them!"
    Denise R - Modesto, CA