Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing eye conditions that can lead to vision impairment and even blindness. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are common among diabetic patients. Diabetic retinopathy, in particular, is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. In South Texas, where diabetes rates are higher, we also see a greater incidence of diabetic retinopathy.
These eye conditions often progress without noticeable symptoms or pain, meaning significant damage can occur before any vision changes are detected. This highlights the importance of annual eye examinations for diabetic patients. Early detection is crucial for preventing irreversible damage.
High blood sugar levels damage the eye’s blood vessels, causing these eye issues. Over 40 percent of diabetic patients will experience some form of eye disease during their lifetime. Regular eye exams and maintaining blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and exercise can significantly lower these risks.
Schedule your annual eye exam with us today to safeguard your vision.
Diabetic eye issues stem from microvascular abnormalities in the retina. These tiny blood vessels develop microaneurysms that leak blood. As the body attempts to replace these damaged vessels, new ones form and also begin to leak, leading to hemorrhages and potential permanent damage to the retina.
Although high blood sugar levels and inadequate insulin production are significant issues for diabetics, it is the lack of oxygen in the blood that primarily causes eye problems and potential vision loss.
A comprehensive eye exam is essential for detecting diabetic eye conditions. This exam includes a visual acuity test to measure vision clarity at various distances and a dilated eye exam to inspect the eye’s structures for signs of disease. This test examines the retina and optic nerve using a unique magnifying lens. Tonometry may also be performed, which measures the pressure inside the eye.
At Eye Associates of South Texas, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and monitor diabetic retinal disease. Among other technologies, our locations are equipped with spectral domain OCT, Flash ERG, Pattern ERG, and VEP. These tools help us detect macular ischemia (loss of blood supply) early.
When symptoms arise, annual eye exams or immediate exams are vital for early detection and protection against diabetic eye diseases.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most prevalent diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It results from changes in the retina’s blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage and swelling. Abnormal new blood vessels may also form on the retina’s surface, causing severe vision loss and blindness.
There are four stages of diabetic retinopathy, beginning with microaneurysms and potentially progressing to significant blood vessel abnormalities. Fluid can also leak into the macula, causing swelling and blurred vision—a condition known as macular edema. The risk of macular edema increases as diabetic retinopathy advances.
Early-stage treatment for diabetic retinopathy and other conditions focuses on controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to prevent further damage. For advanced stages, laser surgery is often effective. This procedure, known as scatter laser treatment, uses over 1,000 laser burns to shrink abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Multiple sessions may be necessary to address the condition entirely.
Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), or scatter laser treatment, is designed to seal or eliminate leaking blood vessels on the retina. This minimally invasive treatment is particularly effective in reducing and preventing the growth of new blood vessels around the retina. It is frequently used to manage proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease, helping to minimize vitreous bleeding and retinal distortion.
Focal photocoagulation is a laser procedure used to treat severe retinal conditions by sealing or destroying leaking blood vessels in the retina. This treatment is effective for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. It can also seal retinal tears and eliminate abnormal tissue at the back of the eye.
While focal photocoagulation cannot cure diabetic eye conditions, it is critical in reducing vision loss and slowing disease progression for patients with advanced cases. Our state-of-the-art Argon lasers are available in our San Antonio and Seguin offices.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which can lead to significant damage if they leak. This issue is common in diabetes patients due to high glucose levels causing blood vessel obstructions. The body compensates by producing more VEGF to supply oxygen to the eye’s tissues.
Anti-VEGF treatments are injections administered directly into the eye to slow VEGF production and reduce blood vessel leakage. These treatments can help prevent and, in some cases, reverse vision loss in diabetic patients.
The ophthalmologists and retina specialists at Eye Associates of South Texas deliver these injections to multiple office locations, including San Antonio, Seguin, New Braunfels, Luling, Lockhart, Gonzales, Castroville, and Hondo.
Ready to take the next step?
From routine exams to advanced treatments, we’re committed to safeguarding your vision.
From routine exams to advanced treatments, we’re committed to safeguarding your vision.
Eye Associates of South Texas delivers premier eye care, LASIK Eye Surgery, and Ophthalmology services in the South Texas region, backed by over 30 years of collective experience in comprehensive treatment and prevention of eye diseases.
Powered by Storm Brain
