Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of diabetic retinopathy, a common eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss when left untreated. In the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, California, trusted ophthalmologist Dilys Bart, MD, provides superior diabetic eye care. Call the office to schedule a diabetic eye exam, or use the online booking feature today.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Contents:

What is diabetes?

What is diabetic retinopathy?

What are symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetes and cataracts

Diabetes and glaucoma

What other eye problems are related to diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to diabetic eye disease which, in turn, can cause loss of vision and blindness. Fortunately, approximately 90% of the vision lost due to diabetes can be avoided with early detection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given the possible serious consequences, it is important for those with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam with a board-certified ophthalmologist once a year. Annual eye exams are critical even before there is any vision loss. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely it will be successful. At The SF Vision Center, we are dedicated to helping diabetic patients preserve their sight.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively, causing high blood sugar (glucose) levels. The risk of diabetic eye disease increases with high blood sugar levels and the length of time one has diabetes. Eat fresh, healthy foods and exercise regularly. Diabetic eye disease is a term for several eye disorders that can relate to diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, which is the nerve tissue in the back of the eye that collects light for vision. Diabetic retinopathy is when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off. When fluid leaks out of the vessels, it sometimes collects in the retina. Swelling of the retina in the center of vision is called macular edema. Macular edema is the most common reason people with diabetes lose their vision. When blood vessels in the retina close off, nutrients may no longer reach parts of the retina, stimulating abnormal new blood vessels to grow on the surface of the retina. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These fragile vessels are not able to nourish the retina and instead can cause severe bleeding and scarring.

What are symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

You can have diabetic retinopathy and not know it. This is because it often has no symptoms in its early stages. As diabetic retinopathy gets worse, you may notice such symptoms as:

• Increased spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurry vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Poor night vision
• Faded or washed out colors
• Vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy symptoms usually affect both eyes.

What are treatments for diabetic retinopathy?

A medication, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or steroid, may be injected in the eye. Other treatments include laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy surgery.

Diabetes and cataracts

People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts than other adults, and they get them at a younger age. Cataracts cause your natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision. Over time, you may need cataract surgery to improve your vision.

Diabetes and glaucoma

Having diabetes doubles your likelihood of getting glaucoma, a condition that can cause damage to your eye's optic nerve and lead to irreversible loss of vision. With regular eye exams, glaucoma is caught early, and treatment prevents or slows glaucoma damage.

What other eye problems are related to diabetes?

Diabetes can cause vision problems even if you do not have a specific form of diabetic eye disease. These can include:

• Blurry vision: High blood sugar levels can cause the natural lens in your eye to swell and can thereby cause blurry vision. 
• Double vision: The nerves that move the eyes and help them work together can be damaged by diabetes, leading to double vision.

At The SF Vision Center we have the experience and expertise to give diabetic patients their best vision and healthiest eyes. Contact us to arrange a diabetic consultation or use the online scheduler to request an appointment today.

TESTIMONIALS

I LOVE Dr. Bart and her service!!!  She checks me thoroughly for diabetic retinopathy and explains all to me. She is very caring and competent.  I would recommend her to anyone for anything concerning the eyes.

Marlyn C. 

The best eye surgeon. I've had lasers done because I'm diabetic. Had two cataract surgery and can see much clearer than before. She's caring, sweet and kind.

Darlene C.