Diabetic Retinopathy FAQ
For our eye care patients who are diagnosed with diabetes, there is the risk of a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This is a type of eye disease that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Find out how we diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy here in Ashburn, Virginia at OptimEYES.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy and Can I Get This Condition If I Have Diabetes?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy is due to high blood sugar levels. When a diabetic person has elevated blood sugar on a consistent basis, this damages the blood vessels connecting the retina to the eyeball. Over time, the blood vessels either stop functioning or misdirect blood from the retina, which results in vision loss.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
The most common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are blurred or spotty vision caused by floaters. You might have a loss of color vision or dark areas in your field of vision. For later stage diabetic retinopathy, the most common sign is vision loss.
How Does an Eye Doctor in Ashburn Treat This Type of Eye Disease?
The first step to treating eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, is to get a comprehensive eye exam. Our optometrist, Dr. Seema Mohanan, provides detailed eye exams to detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Based on your diagnosis, treatment may include nutritional advice, eye drops for pain, or eye surgery. As the primary factor in diabetic retinopathy is high blood sugar, you want to control this as part of your diabetic management regime. We may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising more regularly.
Contact Our Optometrist in Ashburn, Virginia
Whether you have symptoms of diabetic retinopathy or want to get an eye exam to test your vision, we can assist you at OptimEYES in Ashburn. Call our office today at (703) 687-4719 to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to test for diabetic retinopathy. We are currently giving new patients a discount of 15 percent off of first time consultations.