Diabetic Eye Exams | Friendswood | See B. Seen Eyecare

Diabetes & the Eyes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the entire body. It’s characterized by an inability to use glucose properly. This can result in high blood sugar and, when unmanaged, can lead to problems with different body systems.

When blood sugar remains high for too long, it can damage the eye’s sensitive tissues. People living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain vision problems.

Fortunately, diabetic eye exams can detect vision-threatening conditions before they cause damage. Make the eye care professionals at See B. Seen Eye Care + Optical Bar part of your diabetes management team.

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Detecting Diabetic Eye Disease

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in adults under 65. But there is a bright side—95% of vision loss can be prevented with early detection, thanks to yearly eye exams. Many diabetic eye diseases have no symptoms early, making exams a key part of prevention and detection.

We use top-notch technology to get the best possible view of your inner eye. Optomapping by Optos allows us to take a 280° image of your inner eye using low-powered lasers. Optical coherence tomography scans the retina, enabling us to see the thickness of each layer.

When we have a series of images from subsequent eye exams, we can monitor how your eye health may be changing.

Common Diabetic Eye Conditions

Certain eye conditions only affect those with diabetes, and the risk of other eye diseases may be increased.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by blood sugar building up and damaging blood vessels in the retina. They may stretch, bulge, or leak. After a long time, abnormal vessels can grow to try and compensate for the damaged vessels.

Diabetic retinopathy has no early symptoms, but in the late stages can cause:

Blurry vision
Dark spots
Floaters
Vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy can be caught early during an exam, and we can guide you on the next steps.

Diabetic Macular Edema

The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It can be damaged when diabetic retinopathy advances, leaking fluid into the macula. The resulting condition is diabetic macular edema.

Symptoms include:

Distorted vision
Altered color vision
Double vision

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. It’s often associated with a buildup in the pressure in your eye. Having diabetes can double your chance of developing glaucoma.

There are different types of glaucoma. The 2 most common are:

Open-angle glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common, representing 90% of glaucoma cases in the US. Like other diabetic eye diseases, the early stages have no symptoms but can be detected during an eye exam.

Protect Your Vision

Though diabetes can often lead to eye problems, you can take steps to protect your sight. Along with following the diabetes management plan laid out by your medical team, visit the optometrist regularly to keep watch on your inner eye health. Book your next appointment today!

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Our Location

You can find our practice next to Main Squeeze Juice Co on Parkwood Avenue. If you have any trouble finding our office or have any questions before your visit, please give us a call.