Diabetic eye diseases are the leading cause of permanent blindness in adults. In Kansas, 11.4% of the adult population is affected by diabetes.
The EyeDoctors Optometrists uses the latest technology to conduct comprehensive eye exams for people with diabetes.
People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of developing certain eye diseases. Therefore it’s imperative for people with diabetes to get an annual comprehensive eye exam.
The EyeDoctors Optometrists specialize in examining and diagnosing individuals with diabetes in Kansas. Visit one of over 20 locations in the state today.
Eye doctors are often the first health professionals to detect undiagnosed diabetes in their patients. Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and other diabetic eye diseases can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Comprehensive eye exams can lead to the early detection of diabetes. This can be accomplished through the evaluation of blood vessels, optic nerves, and other complex eye structures. Your eyes can provide important clues about conditions that pose serious risks to your health. A standard vision screening only measures an individual’s sight. This screening does not facilitate the discovery of diabetes or other serious diseases like a comprehensive eye exam.
Diabetic eye diseases are a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that, over time, can lead to poor vision and even blindness. Treatment of diseases like diabetic retinopathy varies, depending on the extent of the disease.
If you are diabetic, you can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy through a variety of ways. Ways to manage your eye health can include exercising regularly, taking prescribed medication, controlling blood sugar levels, healthy dieting, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. There is no cure for most conditions related to diabetes. However, there are several medications and procedures your doctor can recommend that may reverse or prevent further damage. Our optometrists can assist patients with diabetes by managing and treating the complications and progression of diabetic eye disease.
At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our doctors are specialists in treating diabetes-related eye conditions. Prevention of diabetes-related eye diseases includes controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as weight management. Follow your doctor’s advice for diet and exercise to effectively control the progression of the disease.
The EyeDoctors Optometrists recommend that anyone with diabetes schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. Routine eye exams are a vital part of your overall health.
Many eye conditions have no noticeable symptoms before they become serious. By scheduling yearly preventative eye care exams with our optometrists, to can take part in preserving your vision. Through these exams we can diagnose, treat, and prevent diabetic eye conditions from resulting in vision loss.
Schedule an appointment for a diabetic eye exam today.
While a referral is not necessary, The EyeDoctors Optometrists recommend that a patient request a referral from a primary care physician or optometrist before scheduling. A referral ensures that a patient is seen by the appropriate specialist for his or her condition.
Insurance providers may also require a referral before covering a diabetic eye exam.
Our eye doctors coordinate with primary care physicians and ophthalmologists to share important details about a patient’s health.
Many patients with diabetic eye diseases do not exhibit noticeable symptoms or vision problems until the disease has progressed. Regular eye exams are extremely important for diagnosing patients early so treatment can begin and prevent any possible vision loss. A diabetic eye exam is important for preventing diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
A diabetic eye exam typically lasts for one to two hours, depending on the tests that are included in the exam. For instance, it takes 15 to 30 minutes for a patient’s pupils to dilate after a doctor has administered eye drops.
A patient with a more advanced or complex diabetic eye disease often requires longer appointments. Additional retinal imaging and treatment options may extend the time of an exam.