Diabetic Retinopathy
Vision Care and Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment from an Eye Doctor Near You in Tucson, AZ
Diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are chronically high. Unfortunately, multiple eye diseases are common among those with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness in adults with diabetes. People with diabetes must manage their blood sugar levels to maintain their overall and eye health. If you have diabetes, need an eye exam, or are looking for an optometrist in Tucson, AZ, consider contacting our Advanced Vision Care and Dry Eye Spa team.
Diabetes and Your Eye Health
Diabetes is a significant contributor to several eye diseases that can cause poor vision or blindness if left untreated. Still, diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related problem affecting the eyes. It is caused by high blood sugar levels causing the retina’s blood vessels to swell. While the swelling causes new blood vessels to grow, those blood vessels commonly bleed, leading to retinal damage. In addition, the blood vessels at the center of your retina, the macula, can swell, resulting in macular edema.
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy Non-Surgically
Lifestyle changes and medications are the best methods for reducing the effects of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Both interventions work best when started early and before significant damage occurs. The primary lifestyle changes involve consistently:
- Measuring your blood sugar
- Exercising
- Taking your medication, including insulin
- Increasing your non-starchy vegetables and lean meat intake
- Monitoring your eyes with regular eye exams
Preventing diabetes is the first and best option, but properly managing blood sugar levels to limit damage is the second-best option.
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy Surgically
Diabetic retinopathy can be treated via laser or other surgical options. Laser surgery targets the retina in an attempt to shrink the abnormal blood vessels and prevent them from leaking. Like other laser surgeries, this is a relatively noninvasive approach.
Another surgical option is vitrectomy, a procedure in which the surgeon removes the vitreous gel inside your eyes to allow the necessary repairs. The surgeon then refills your eyes with oil or gas, and your body naturally replaces the gel over time.
Get an Eye Exam, Vision Care, and Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment from an Eye Doctor Near You
If you need an eye doctor near you to treat diabetic retinopathy or provide other vision care, contact us at Advanced Vision Care and Dry Eye Spa, your optometrist in Tucson, AZ. Contact us today for an eye exam, vision care, and diabetic retinopathy treatment from an eye doctor near you.