Diabetic Retinopathy

Uncontrolled Diabetes Can Have Serious Effects on Vision

High levels of glucose in the bloodstream can cause damage to blood vessels, resulting in swelling, leaking fluid, or bleeding of the retina at the back of the eyes. The disease can cause many new blood vessels to develop, which can be prone to bleeding and increase the risk of retinal detachment. The damage can lead to changes in vision, and if not properly treated, can even lead to blindness. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also contribute to diabetic retinopathy. That's why careful attention to eye health is such an important part of your overall health care.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, you may not notice any changes in your vision. However, over time, you may begin to have blurry vision or difficulty seeing colors clearly. You may notice more floaters or spots in your vision. As the problem progresses, you may develop black spots in your visual field. Without proper treatment, the problem could lead to retinal detachment, which can cause blindness.

Your Eye Doctor Is Your Partner in Maintaining Eye Health

During your periodic diabetic eye exam, the eye doctor will either dilate your pupils or use the Optomap to take pictures through an undilated pupil to look at the internal structures of your eyes. The doctor will carefully inspect the retina at the back of the eyes to detect any changes that could lead to vision problems. If any abnormalities are found, the optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist to provide further care to protect your vision.

Contact Pflugerville Vision Care for Your Diabetic Eye Exams

Our eye care professionals at Pflugerville Vision Care are dedicated to protecting the vision of all their patients in Pflugerville, TX, and surrounding communities. We offer many services, including eyeglasses, contact lens fitting, computer vision care, eye injury care, dry eye treatments and LASIK consultation. Contact Pflugerville Vision Care today at (512) 251-4099 for an appointment to schedule your diabetic eye exam to ensure your continued eye health.