Diabetes Eye Care Provided by a Sandy Springs Eye Doctor  

Diabetics have special eye care needs because of the damage the condition does to the small vessels in the eyes. These problems can lead to blindness when not properly addressed. Our Sandy Springs optometry expert understands the issues and conducts diagnostic testing to detect the problem early, so our eye doctor can prevent you from becoming totally blind. \

How Diabetes Damages the Eye 

Diabetes damages the small blood vessels located in your retina. It causes a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. The blood vessels will balloon up and form pouches and may become so damaged they close off completely. New blood vessels will form in the retina, but they're too weak and will leak blood, which blocks your vision. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. Your eye may fill with water and excessive sugar which causes blurry vision.

Importance of a Regular Eye Exam

Our optometry expert who serves Sandy Springs and the surrounding Atlanta region offers routine eye examinations to examine the retina in the eye and determine if you have diabetic retinopathy. We monitor the condition if you're diagnosed with it. You might not be aware you have diabetic retinopathy until you're experiencing complications from it such as severe vision loss, so early detection is key in preserving your vision.

Testing for Diabetic Eye Conditions

We generally recommend our patients who have diabetic retinopathy or diabetes should see our eye doctor at least once per year, but in more serious cases, we'll request you have an exam more frequently. We may dilate your eyes to get a clear view of the entire retina. We may also conduct imaging that allows us to see inside your retina.

Treating Diabetic Eye Problem

We will encourage you to regulate your blood glucose levels and blood pressure to reduce how quickly your diabetic eye issues progress. We will advise you on other ways you can protect your vision if you have diabetes as well. Our optometry expert offers treatments that can slow the progression, too.

Schedule an Appointment with our Sandy Springs Optometrist Today

To schedule an appointment for a screening for diabetic eye issues or to monitor your condition, contact us today at Eye 1st Vision Center, serving Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and the surrounding Georgia region, by calling 404-252-1702.