Diabetic Retinopathy

WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye disease that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by high levels of blood sugar damaging the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a reduction in blood flow to the retina and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Over time, these abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid and blood into the retina, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy often develops gradually, and many people with diabetes may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include blurred vision, dark or empty areas in the field of vision, and difficulty seeing at night.

To prevent diabetic retinopathy, it is important for individuals with diabetes to maintain good control of their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular eye exams are also essential, as early detection and treatment can help to prevent vision loss. Treatments for diabetic retinopathy may include laser therapy, medications, or surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.

 

WHAT CAN AN OPTOMETRIST DO FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

An optometrist can play an important role in the management and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. They can:

  1. Conduct regular eye exams: An optometrist can perform regular eye exams to monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy and detect any changes in the retina. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing vision loss. They can alert your primary care physician or endocrinologist to changes in the vascular system that may be undetectable by bloodwork or other means. 
  2. Prescribe corrective lenses: If diabetic retinopathy has caused vision problems, an optometrist can prescribe corrective lenses to help you see more clearly.
  3. Make referrals for treatment: An optometrist can make referrals for specialized treatments, such as laser therapy or injections, to manage the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

 

By seeking the help of an optometrist, individuals with diabetic retinopathy can receive personalized care to manage the condition and reduce the risk of vision loss. If you have diabetic retinopathy, it’s important that you get professional help to manage the condition.

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West Edmonton Vision Clinic

Visit our vision clinic in central West Edmonton for comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, glasses, and more. Louie Eyecare Centre is dedicated to providing the highest quality optometric services and products to our patients. Our team of experienced optometrists is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Clinic Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00
Thursday 9:00-5:00
Friday 9:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-2:00
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Frequently Asked Questions

The primary symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs or chalkboards. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and needing to sit closer to screens or books to see clearly.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea’s curvature is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

The corneal curve is measured using a technique called corneal topography. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of the corneal surface, showing its curvature and any irregularities. During the test, you may be asked to focus on a target, and a specialized instrument captures images of the cornea’s shape. The data obtained from corneal topography aids in assessing tear film stability, identifying areas of potential dryness, and assisting in the diagnosis and management of dry eye.

Yes, the corneal curve can provide insights into the severity of dry eye. An uneven corneal surface can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort. Specialized tests, such as corneal topography, evaluate the curvature of the cornea and its impact on tear distribution. Changes in the corneal curve, along with other clinical assessments, help eye care professionals determine the severity of dry eye and tailor appropriate treatment strategies.

The curve on the front of the eye, known as the cornea, plays a crucial role in dry eye detection. Changes in the corneal surface can affect tear distribution and stability, leading to dry eye symptoms. Optometrists and ophthalmologists use advanced imaging techniques to analyze the corneal curvature and its changes over time. This helps detect dry eye by identifying irregularities that can contribute to tear film instability and ocular discomfort.

The MYAH is a versatile tool that does many things. It measures the length of your eye, checks the shape of your cornea, looks at how your pupil responds to light, and analyzes how light behaves on the front surface of your eye. It can image the meibomian gland structure and tear film height. It’s also helpful for finding the right kind of contact lenses. The MYAH helps keep track of how your eye changes over time, measures your eye’s focusing power, and shows any differences in the shape of your cornea between visits. It can also show how light might be causing some blurriness. So, it’s like a really useful tool for understanding your eye health and helping you get the best lenses if you need them.