Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Retinal Evaluations

diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from properly producing insulin, which is a hormone responsible for regulating the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to various vital organs in the body, including the eyes.

components of a diabetic retinal evaluation

A diabetic retinal evaluation begins with a comprehensive eye examination. You will also need to be dilated with eye drops in office so the doctor can have a wider view of the structures inside of your eye. Our doctor will also do a digital retinal exam where we take an objective retinal image to further evaluate your optic nerve, blood vessels, and the retina. A retinal image is important for our doctor to detect changes over time that might indicate damage or significant changes.

what is DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

The retina is a light organ that is located in the back of the eye and is responsible for our vision. The retina also has blood vessels in its layers that keep it nourished. Elevated levels of sugar in the blood can cause these blood vessels to weaken and begin to leak. These leakages can lead to potential swelling in the retina and eventual scarring which can cause vision loss.

importance of annual eye exams

Diabetes affects around 10% of the American population, yet nearly 60 percent of people with diabetes report skipping their annual diabetic eye exam. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are a great way to prevent damage to the eyes caused by diabetes.

Let's Answer Some of Your Questions

Can diabetes cause vision loss?

Yes, when diabetes is not properly managed, diabetic retinopathy can develop which can potentially lead to partial or total vision loss. In addition to diabetic retinopathy, diabetics are at risk for developing: cataracts, glaucoma, and swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema). A yearly comprehensive eye exam and dilated diabetic retinal evaluation is recommended to monitor for any of these abnormal changes.

Can my diabetes cause blurry vision?

Unfortunately, yes. Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the lens which will cause you to experience blurry vision. Once sugar levels are controlled, the lens will return back to its original state and vision should also improve. If blood sugar levels remain consistently uncontrolled, it can take up to 3 months for your vision to return to normal.

Can diabetes cause cataracts?

Yes, studies show that diabetics are 2-5x more likely to develop cataracts than people who don’t have diabetes. A yearly comprehensive eye exam and dilated diabetic retinal evaluation is recommended to monitor for any of these abnormal changes.

Can diabetes cause glaucoma?

Yes, diabetes can cause neovascular glaucoma. This condition occurs in late stages of diabetic retinopathy where little blood vessels begin to grow in the iris (the colored part of the eye), block the flow of the liquid in your eye, and causes eye pressures to elevate. A yearly comprehensive eye exam and dilated diabetic retinal evaluation is recommended to monitor for any of these abnormal changes.

EYE CARE SERVICES

comprehensive eye exams

Our Comprehensive Eye Examinations are much more than just a glasses prescription. We truly believe in a thorough exam that is specific to every patient and their eye care needs. We screen for various eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, macular degeneration, ocular allergies, and many others. We always make the time to answer all your eye questions.

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DRY EYE therapy

comprehensive eye exams

Dr. Yee loves treating all sub-specialties of optometry, but as a dry eye sufferer herself, treating dry eyes is her favorite! There is a plethora of dry eye causes including hormones, medications, diet, environment and even your beauty routine. Dry eye therapy extends further than just eye drops. Schedule a dry eye evaluation so we can devise the best dry eye therapy for you!

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EMERGENCY eye care

comprehensive eye exams

COntact lens evaluations

We treat a variety of non-surgical eye diseases including: eye infections, eye pain, light sensitivity, dry eyes, ocular allergies, foreign body removals and many others.

We also offer retinal imaging and dilated fundus evaluations to better treat and manage any eye diseases.

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COntact lens evaluations

BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

COntact lens evaluations

No contact lens is the same and there is no such thing as "one fits all." We care about obtaining the best fit and comfort with your contact lenses. Here at AVO, we take contact lens care seriously and value the importance of educating patients on proper handle and care.

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LASIK consultations

BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

Want independence from your glasses and contact lenses? Wondering if you are a candidate for LASIK?

We offer complementary LASIK/ PRK consultations to our patients. Ask us about the details during your eye examination.

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BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

If you are experiencing headaches, eye strain, pain around your eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing at near or on the computer - you may have a binocular vision disorder. During this evaluation, we asses whether your eyes are working together as a team and if they are focusing the way they should independently and together.

Consult with Dr. Yee if you're experiencing these symptoms.

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