Care for Diabetic Retinopathy in Dublin
Did you know that more than 1 in 3 adults with diabetes over the age of 40 show signs of diabetic retinopathy? This common complication can threaten your vision if left untreated. At Shamrock Family Eye Care, we work to help you protect your sight with advanced diagnostics, expert care, and personalized treatment plans.
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Email:
info@shamrockeye.com
(Do not send personal health information by email.) - Phone: 380-228-8875
- Fax: 614-760-0256
Dublin, OH 43017
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
How Diabetes Affect Your Eyes
Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar; it can have an impact on your eye health, too. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage can cause the blood vessels to leak, swell, or close off, disrupting vision. In advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels may grow, further threatening sight.
Stages of the Eye Disease
- Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Tiny bulges form in the blood vessels, but vision may remain unaffected.
- Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: The blood vessels begin to swell and lose their ability to transport blood effectively.
- Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Widespread damage and blockages occur, cutting off blood supply to the retina.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Abnormal blood vessels grow, leading to scarring and possible retinal detachment, which can cause blindness.
How We Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, the most important step you can take to protect your vision is to schedule regular diabetic eye exams. During these comprehensive exams, we can diagnose conditions like diabetic retinopathy early, giving you the best chance at preserving your sight. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Dilated Eye Exams: To examine the retina for signs of damage.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to detect swelling or abnormalities in the retina.
- Fundus Photography: Captures detailed images of the retina to monitor changes over time.
- Fluorescein Angiography: A dye test to identify leaking or blocked blood vessels.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
The best approach to treating diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Treatments can include:
- Lifestyle and Diabetes Management: Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to slow progression.
- Medications: Injections, such as anti-VEGF treatments, to reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser Therapy: To seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage.
- Referrals for Advanced Surgical Care: In severe cases, we may refer you to a specialist for procedures to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye.
Questions About Diabetes and Eye Health
Early Detection Starts Here
Your vision is too important to take chances with. Schedule a retinal evaluation at Shamrock Family Eye Care and let us help you protect your sight. With early detection and expert care, you can reduce your risk of vision loss and enjoy a lifetime of healthy eyes.