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Diabetic Retinopathy

In San Diego, CA

What Is A Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by excess sugar in the bloodstream. The board-certified ophthalmologists at American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates are dedicated to ensuring you can see clearly and live comfortably with the most up-to-date diagnostic services and treatments. We are proud to offer treatment for diabetic retinopathy to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the neighboring communities of Imperial County, California.

At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, expert surgical techniques, and the latest diagnostic services that will help you live your most healthy and comfortable life. We are happy to offer ophthalmology services to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas of Imperial County, California. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists today.

How Does Diabetes Affect The Eye?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in anyone who has diabetes. The longer you have had diabetes, the larger your risk for this condition, particularly if you do not carefully control your blood sugar levels. Additional risk factors may include:

  • Tobacco use
  • Pregnancy
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol

With or without the presence of these additional risk factors, if you have diabetes, it is vital for your visual health that you visit us at least once a year for thorough eye examinations.

What Are Some Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms?

Symptoms may occur in one or both eyes and can include blurry vision, double vision, “floaters” or spots that appear to float in front of the eyes or difficulty reading or perceiving colors.

Even if you are not suffering from any of the symptoms, if you have diabetes, you need to visit our office yearly for a dilated eye exam. This exam can help detect early stages, helping ensure prompt treatment when necessary to prevent a permanent loss of vision.

We are also able to detect diabetic macular edema (DME) which is a condition that often occurs in conjunction with diabetic retinopathy and can result in distorted vision, vision loss and blindness.

What Are Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments?

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and severity of the case. Our eye care team offers both traditional and laser treatments to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent the growth of new blood vessels.

Potential complications

Complications associated with diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Retinal detachment – Abnormal blood vessels in the eye can result in the creation of scar tissue that pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.
  • Vitreous hemorrhage – Leaking blood vessels can bleed into the vitreous humor, filling the cavity and blocking vision.
  • Glaucoma – The growth of new blood vessels can interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of the eye, increasing intraocular pressure and damaging the optic nerve.

What Are Some Diabetic Retinopathy Preventions?

Due to the threat diabetic retinopathy poses to your vision, the American Diabetes Association recommends annual eye exams for people with both types of this disease as a preventative measure. If you have repeated normal eye exams, our doctors may allow for longer periods of time in between visits, but this must be determined on a case by case basis.

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