Diabetic Eye Care in Delray Beach, FL

Diabetes can have an effect on many aspects of your general health, including your eyes and your quality of vision. Without proper evaluation and care, this metabolic condition can increase the risk of various eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, and damage to the blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy). In their most severe form, diabetic eye diseases can even lead to vision loss. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is important to partner with an eye specialist who understands these potential complications and can help identify, prevent, or manage diabetic eye diseases. Learn more about your options for diabetic eye care by scheduling a visit with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists at Rothchild Eye Institute in Delray Beach, FL.

Blood glucose levels that remain elevated over time can damage the blood vessels within the eyes and cause them to become inflamed, enlarged, or leak. This could increase pressure within the eye which leads to scarring and other forms of ocular damage. Regular visits with a diabetic eye specialist are extremely important if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, as eye complications from this condition often have no early symptoms or warning signs. Some of the most common symptoms of diabetic eye disease in Delray Beach, FL patients include:

• A decrease in vision
• Vision loss
• Dark spots
• Floaters
• Flashes of light
• Blurry vision
• Color blindness

If you are seeking an eye doctor for diabetic patients in Delray Beach, FL, our team is ready to help.

Diabetic eye disease is primarily caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the retina become weakened, leading to leakage or abnormal vessel growth. High blood sugar can also contribute to swelling in the macula (diabetic macular edema), cataracts, and an increased risk of glaucoma.

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is vital that you seek diabetic eye care. Diabetes can make you more susceptible to certain eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. If you are being seen regularly by an eye specialist, then they can screen for these conditions — so they do not go undetected and possibly cause more damage to your eye. Receiving regular eye exams and managing your diabetes can help prevent vision problems and stop existing conditions from worsening. To get diabetic eye disease treatment in Delray Beach, FL connect with our team today to schedule an appointment.

Individuals with diabetes, regardless of type, are at a higher risk of eye complications. This risk increases if your blood sugar levels aren't well controlled or if you have had diabetes for a long time. Other factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetic eye issues, may also warrant the need for diabetic eye care. Diabetic eye care is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetic retinopathy, which can seriously affect your vision if left untreated.

At Rothchild Eye Institute, our ophthalmologists perform yearly diabetic eye exams, which may involve a number of diagnostic tests to identify complications early on and help prevent vision loss from occurring. We may dilate your pupils with special eye drops to take images of and evaluate your retina and other eye structures. A tonometry test may be provided to measure intraocular pressure (the pressure within your eye) and test for glaucoma. In addition, our eye specialists may conduct a visual acuity test to establish baseline data on your ability to see clearly at a range of distances. The information gleaned from a diabetic eye exam will be used to monitor the condition of your eyes over time and determine if ophthalmic procedures might be needed to preserve your vision. Treatments may include medications, eye injections, laser procedures, or other modalities.

Can eye damage from diabetes be reversed?

Mild cases of damage from diabetes may improve when blood sugar levels and other health concerns are well-controlled. Any diabetes-related vision loss, which is often caused by diabetic retinopathy, cannot be reversed. Identifying the condition early on, however, can allow you to take measures to protect your vision and manage the condition.

How long does it take for diabetic retinopathy to damage the eyes?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the back of the retina. On average, it takes around 3 – 5 years for the condition to develop after the onset of diabetes. Many people have diabetes yet are not aware, making routine physical exams and eye exams imperative to a person’s health. At Rothchild Eye Institute, our ophthalmologists can identify and help treat diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic eye conditions.

How can I protect my eyes if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, it is imperative that you seek medical care to keep the condition controlled and safeguard your health. You can help protect your ocular health and vision by:

• Scheduling periodic eye exams
• Controlling and monitoring your blood glucose
• Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking or other forms of tobacco use

Visiting an ophthalmologist to screen for or treat diabetic eye diseases is equally as important as visiting your medical physician to manage your diabetes. At Rothchild Eye Institute, our diabetic eye care experts have advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating diabetic eye complications and helping to preserve your vision and eye health. To schedule an eye check-up for a diabetic patient at our Delray Beach, FL practice, please contact our knowledgeable team today.