Diabetic Eyecare
Diabetic eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, has no real warning signs. So, if you have diabetes, it’s extremely important to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year. As with glaucoma, early detection is crucial to controlling this disease, which can cause vision loss or blindness if not treated quickly and effectively.
When you see board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Emil Moshedi in Lanham, Maryland, he will explain exactly what diabetic eye disease is, how to detect it early on, and what the best course of treatment is for you. With a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Moshedi will monitor your eyes and provide the most accurate diagnosis, which is the first and most important step in managing diabetic retinopathy.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, which is characterized by progressive damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
Early stage diabetic eye disease is called non-proliferative retinopathy. Symptoms may include blurred vision brought on by macular edema.
Advanced diabetic eye disease is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which can cause both central and peripheral vision loss as a result of bleeding, retinal detachment, or glaucoma.
Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to deteriorating vision and blindness.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Many people don’t experience any symptoms during the early stages of diabetic eye disease. When symptoms do occur, poor night vision is often one of the earliest signs. Later on, you may experience “floaters” or specs in your field of vision, blurred vision, color abnormality, or vision loss.
If you have diabetes and notice any changes in your vision, it is critically important to visit an eye doctor immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment can give you the best outcomes.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Treated?
Diabetic retinopathy can be treated. Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure can help prevent diabetic eye disease or slow the progression of it. Surgical intervention may be necessary as part of treatment. While not a cure, laser surgery may help to reduce swelling, decrease blood vessel leakage, and shrink abnormal blood vessels to prevent the progression of vision loss.
Usually performed during the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous gel and abnormal blood vessel growths from the inside of the eye.
Routine Eye Exams Are Key to Prevention
It is vitally important for diabetics to get annual or semi-annual eye exams to prevent eye disease and vision loss. You can count on Moshedi Eye Center to provide a comprehensive exam and screening for diabetic retinopathy at every visit. Call our office in Lanham, Maryland, to schedule a visit with Dr. Moshedi today. We can be reached at (301) 552-5000.
