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Home » Eye Care Services » Management of Ocular Diseases » Diabetic Retanopathy Treatment

Diabetic Retanopathy Treatment

We Treat Diabetic Eye Disease in Morrisville

Morrisville North Carolina Diabetic Older Man with Hand on Hat

Diabetic retinopathy may be the most well-known but it is not the only diabetic eye disease. Diabetes is a systemic disease that tends to affect the more sensitive tissues first, and raises the risk of several ocular diseases. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Regular dilated eye exams, preferably accompanied by advanced diagnostic equipment, play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating eye complications before they cause vision loss.

At Triangle Family Eye Care, our professional optometrist, Dr. Hiten Prajapati, will examine your eyes with the latest diagnostic technology, monitoring for any signs of diabetic eye disease disease. We’re here to help you benefit from many years of sharp, quality vision. If you or someone you care for has diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational), contact us now to schedule an eye exam in our Morrisville eye care clinic.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diagnosis and Management

diabetic retinopathy woman with eyes closedDiabetic retinopathy is often symptomless until it has progressed to a degree where it is too late for effective treatment. If you have diabetes, this underscores the importance of regular dilated eye exams. We will inspect your eyes comprehensively in our conveniently located office, serving patients from Cary and the entire Morrisville region of North Carolina.

In general, individuals who maintain closer-to-normal blood glucose levels are less likely to develop diabetic retinopathy. However, all people with diabetes are at a high risk of this eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy can be classified into two major types: Nonproliferative and Proliferative retinopathy.

Nonproliferative Retinopathy

Nonproliferative retinopathy is the more common type. This disease refers to when the blood vessels in the back of your eye swell and impede smooth blood circulation. A leaking of fluid between the retina and the blood vessels may also occur, leading to macular edema (swelling). Blurry vision and black spots are classic signs of this condition, and treatment is necessary via medication or laser therapy. These treatments are typically very effective, and vision loss can be prevented.

Proliferative Retinopathy

Proliferative retinopathy is a more extreme form of the disease and can destroy vision profoundly. With this condition, the eye’s blood vessels are so damaged that they become sealed off. Consequently, new leaky blood vessels begin to grow in the retina. The leaking interferes with clear vision and may eventually lead to retinal detachment. Treatment may include laser surgery or a vitrectomy, in which the inner gel-like material that supports your eyeball is replaced. Recent advances in treatment for proliferative retinopathy are promising.

Glaucoma

senior man wearing glasses, with low vision from diabetesYour age and the number of years you have had diabetes are linked to increased chances of a glaucoma development. If you have glaucoma, the fluid pressure in your inner eye is higher-than-normal. As result, the blood vessels that carry blood to your retina and optic nerve may be pinched. Over time, damage is thereby caused to your visual system and vision loss is a potential outcome. Dr. Prajapati will evaluate your eyes in our Morrisville office, using specialized optometry tools that measure eye pressure and inspect for signs of glaucoma. Treatment for this eye disease involves prescription eye drops which you must take religiously, and possibly surgery.

Keep in mind that the earlier your glaucoma is uncovered, the more successful your treatment. Contact us to reserve your eye exam with glaucoma screening today.

Cataracts

Did you know that people with diabetes are about 60% more likely to develop cataracts (often at a younger age)? Cataracts describe a condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. Anti-glare eyeglasses may help clarify vision when cataracts are mild, yet more extreme cases usually need surgery. In cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and may be replaced with a new lens transplant.

At Triangle Family Eye Care, Dr. Prajapati keeps up-to-date with the latest approaches in caring for eyes and diabetes, so you’ll receive cutting-edge treatment in our Morrisville optometry practice. Contact our eye doctor’s office today to book an appointment.