Eyes and Diabetic Related Conditions

Let's talk about diabetes and your eyes. Dr. Jilber Fouladian, an optometrist at Westwood & Montrose Eye Center, wants to help you understand why it's so important to take care of your vision if you have diabetes. It can cause some pretty serious problems, but knowing what to look out for can make a big difference. Here's a quick and easy summary:

Diabetic Retinopathy:

Think of your retina, at the back of your eye, like the film in an old camera. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels that feed the retina. When this happens, the damaged vessels can leak or bleed, and new, weak blood vessels may grow. This can lead to blurry vision or even blindness. This eye problem, called diabetic retinopathy, is the most common eye disease caused by diabetes. High blood sugar is the root cause, and doctors classify it as either "non-proliferative" (earlier stages) or "proliferative" (more advanced, with new vessel growth).

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):

 Think of the macula, the center of your retina, like a high-definition screen. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), a complication of diabetic retinopathy, is like that screen getting waterlogged. Fluid build-up causes the macula to swell, which blurs the sharp, detailed vision you need for reading or recognizing faces. Fortunately, there are treatment options.

Cataracts:

The lens inside your eye focuses light onto the retina, enabling clear vision. Diabetes can accelerate the natural clouding of this lens, leading to cataracts. This clouding scatters light, resulting in blurred vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for developing cataracts, and they may develop them at a younger age compared to those without diabetes. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, restoring clearer vision.

Glaucoma:

Diabetes can elevate pressure inside your eye, damaging the optic nerve that transmits signals to your brain. This can lead to the development of blind spots and vision loss.

In essence, diabetes affects the blood vessels and nerves in the eye, potentially causing blurry vision, blind spots, and even blindness. Regular eye examinations are of utmost importance for early detection. 

 

Protecting Your Vision: Diabetic Eye Treatment Plans

Diabetes can affect your eyes, but with proper care, you can protect your vision. Retina Specialist personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs.

Early Detection: The Key to Healthy Eyes

• Annual Dilated Eye Exams: Regular exams are essential. We recommend a yearly dilated eye exam to catch any changes early, even before you notice symptoms.
• Personalized Monitoring: Depending on your eye health, we may recommend more frequent check-ups.

Treatment Options: Tailored to Your Needs

These are range of treatments to manage diabetic eye conditions:

• Anti-VEGF Injections:
  • These injections help slow down abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid buildup, particularly for diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
• Laser Therapy:
  • Focal Laser: Targets leaking blood vessels to treat DME.
  • Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP): Treats a wider area to manage proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
• Steroid Treatments:
  • Corticosteroid injections or implants may be used to reduce swelling in the retina caused by DME.
• Vitrectomy Surgery:
  • For advanced cases, this surgery removes vitreous gel and blood, addressing issues like severe bleeding or retinal detachment.

Your Role in Eye Health: Managing Diabetes

Your overall diabetes management significantly impacts your eye health:

• Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is crucial.
• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Managing these factors protects your eyes.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are vital.

Ongoing Care: 

• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups help us monitor your progress.
• Treatment Adjustments: We'll adapt your plan as needed.
• Patient Education: We'll provide you with the information and resources you need to understand your condition and treatment.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and doesn't replace personalized medical advice. Schedule an appointment with our eye care specialists to create a treatment plan that's right for you.