DIABETES CAN AFFECT YOUR VISION
Diabetes is a disease that affects a large number of Americans. It occurs when the body cannot correctly process glucose levels in the blood. High blood sugar levels can result in many health complications, including some that affect the vision centers.
Our optometrists recommend annual dilated eye exams to protect the vision of our patients with diabetes.
Proactive eye care can help manage visual complications from diabetes. If you would like more information on how diabetes can affect your vision and what you can do to protect yourself, call today and ask about our diabetic eye exams.
COMPLICATIONS FROM DIABETES
Blurred vision is one of the main indicators of high blood sugar levels. Patients can adjust insulin levels to temporarily correct blurry vision, but elevated blood sugar levels for extended periods can lead to diabetic eye diseases.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
When blood glucose levels are high for extended periods, it can damage your eyes’ blood vessels, causing them to bulge and leak. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy, and it is the most common eye condition linked to diabetes.
The retina is the inner lining located at the back of your eye, and its primary purpose reading light focused through the lens, converting it to neural signals. Neural signals are then translated by the brain, interpreting the images you see.
In later stages of diabetic retinopathy, the retina attempts to grow new blood vessels to compensate for lost fluid. These new vessels are weak, and can often break or burst. These breakages create scar tissue, causing floaters in your vision.
There may be no symptoms or only temporary episodes of blurred vision at the onset of diabetic retinopathy. As retinal damage progresses, it can result in vision loss.
DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA (DME)
The macula is found at the center of your retina. It is a tiny part of the visual system with a big job: Helping you see precise detail in the central part of your visual field.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) results as a complication of diabetic retinopathy. Repeated damage to the small blood vessels in your retina can result in a fluid buildup under the macula. This buildup can result in blindness.
HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Our Optometrists can slow diabetic complications by providing preventative vision care.
If you are a patient with diabetes, we recommend one dilated eye exam per year. Our team is waiting with a full toolkit of state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care for your visual health.
Your eyesight is in great hands at West Hollywood Optometric Center. Book your diabetic eye exam today!
See Us In West Hollywood
We can’t wait to help you make the best possible use of your eyes. Our practice is on Santa Monica Boulevard, near the intersection of Havenhurst Drive.
Our Address
- 8205 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 15
- West Hollywood, CA 90046
Contact Information
- Phone: 323.650.0337
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Note: Saturday hours reflect the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.