Diabetic Eye Exams Specialist

Why are diabetic eye exams important?

While eye exams are important in general, Dr. Hart recommends diabetic eye exams that allow him the opportunity to diagnose diabetes-related eye conditions as early as possible. These exams are especially important for diabetic issues, as most people who have diabetes don’t have symptoms until the damage is severe enough to cause vision loss.

With early diagnosis, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions associated with diabetes, such as cataracts and glaucoma, are their most treatable in the early stages. Early treatment ensures you maintain good eyesight and optimal eye health, and it prevents the progression of diseases that can cause blindness.

Dr. Hart reviews your medical history and information related to your blood sugar management during your initial consultation. He can recommend how often you should have eye exams to protect your eye health.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy describes retinal disorders that result from high blood glucose levels. There are two types of retinopathy, including:

Nonproliferative retinopathy

This form of retinopathy is most common and affects the capillaries in the back of your eye. Retinal damage blocks up the capillaries, causing them to balloon out and form pouches.

Nonproliferative retinopathy typically occurs in three stages, mild, moderate, and severe, depending on how many capillaries have blockages and the amount of damage already present.

Proliferative retinopathy

This type of retinopathy is a serious condition that results after nonproliferative retinopathy progresses without treatment.

The blood vessels become so damaged, they close off and cause new blood vessels to form in the retina. The new blood vessels can leak and cause vision problems.

There is also an increased risk for retinal detachment due to the growth of scar tissue that causes the retina to pull out of place.

Am I at risk of diabetic eye disease?

Several factors influence the likelihood of you developing nonproliferative retinopathy at some point. You can lower your risk of diabetic eye disease due to Type 2 diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels in check and scheduling diabetic eye exams regularly.

Prevent diabetes from affecting your vision by booking an appointment with Dr. Hart for a comprehensive diabetic eye exam online or by calling the office directly.