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If you would like to learn more about Diabetic Eye Care in Stockton, Modesto, & Manteca, CA call +1 (800) 244-9907 to make an appointment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group.
Diabetes is a disease that affects blood vessels throughout the body, particularly vessels in the kidneys and eyes. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eye conditions as a complication of their disease. Diabetic-related eye problems develop from high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to blood vessels. When diabetes affects the blood vessels in the eyes, it is called diabetic retinopathy.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes the higher the chance they will develop diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye complication and specifically affects the blood vessels in the retina. The retina, located in the back of the eye, detects visual images and transmits them to the brain. When diabetes damages the retinal blood vessels they weaken, swell and leak. This results in a loss of vision and the ability to detect and transmit images. More than 40% of diabetics in the United States have some form of diabetic retinopathy which is the leading cause of blindness in America adults.
As diabetic retinopathy develops new blood vessels grow, these new vessels are your body’s attempt to overcome and replace the vessels that have been damaged by diabetes. However, these new vessels are not normal and may bleed, cause the vision to become hazy, and occasionally result in a complete loss of vision. In addition, abnormal blood vessels on the iris can lead to glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can also cause the formation of cataracts.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
If symptoms do appear they can present as:
- Blurred or double vision
- Seeing flashing lights, blank spots or dark floaters
- Pain or pressure in either or both eyes
- Problems with peripheral vision
- Severe vision loss if left untreated
- Irreversible blindness in advanced stages
What Causes Diabetic Eye Disease?
Chronic high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes are the cause of diabetic retinopathy. These high levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which is located on the back of the eye. These blood vessels become blocked. To compensate, the eye grows new blood vessels, but they don’t develop normally and can begin to leak. This distorts the patient’s vision. As the condition progresses, these abnormal blood vessels proliferate on the surface of the retina. This can lead to scarring and cell loss in the retina.
Who Is Likely To Get Diabetic Retinopathy?
If you have diabetes, you can develop diabetic retinopathy. It generally won’t develop, however, until a person has had diabetes for at least a decade. These factors increase your risk:
- Longer duration having diabetes
- Poor control of your blood sugar levels
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Tobacco use
- Being African American, Hispanic, or Native American
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group
The best treatment is early diagnosis. Otherwise, vision damage may already have occurred. Treatment depends on if you have nonproliferative (early stage) or proliferative (advanced) diabetic retinopathy. In early stages, simply managing your blood sugar effectively can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
For decades, the main treatment for diabetic retinopathy, particular in the proliferative stage, was scatter laser surgery. Recently, new drugs have been developed and are proving to be effective for stopping the blood vessel development and decreasing fluid buildup of macular edema.These are the treatments used to treat diabetic retinopathy:
- Anti-VEGF injection therapy — In this treatment, drugs are used to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the growth of the abnormal blood vessels. The drugs are injected into the vitreous gel of the eye. These drugs have proven to be effective for reversing abnormal blood vessel development and decreasing fluid in the eye. Brand names are Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea.
- Focal laser treatment — In this procedure, laser energy is used to either stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. Also called photocoagulation, laser burns close the leaking vessels. This laser surgery may involve just a few small laser burns or up to hundreds, depending on the patient’s condition.
- Scatter laser treatment — Also known as pan-retinal photocoagulation, here the areas of the retina away from the macula are treated with 1,000 to 2,000 tiny scattered laser burns. These burns cause new abnormal blood vessels to shrink and scar. Scatter laser surgery works best before new, fragile blood vessels have started to bleed.
- Vitrectomy — This surgical procedure is used to treat severe bleeding into the vitreous. In the procedure, a tiny incision is made in your eye to remove blood from the vitreous, as well as the scar tissue that is pulling on the retina creating detachment.
- These surgeries are very successful in preventing blindness in most people with diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, if your body has cataracts due to diabetic retinopathy, we can correct them with cataract surgery.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are noticing symptoms of diabetic eye disease, contact Central Valley Eye Medical Group for a comprehensive eye exam. Fill out our form or call us at 1.800.244.9907 to schedule a consultation in Stockton or Manteca, CA.
FAQ
The following are symptoms you may experience when you have dry eye:
- Watery eyes
- The feeling that there’s sand in your eyes
- Eyes that itch and burn
- Vision that becomes blurred after periods of reading, watching TV, or using a computer
- Red, irritated eyes that produce a mucus discharge
Your eye doctor can check for dry eye by examining your eyes with magnifying instruments, measuring your rate of tear production and checking the amount of time it takes for tears to evaporate between blinks. Your doctor can also check for pinpoint scratches on the front surface of the eye caused by dryness using special, colored eye drops called fluorescein or Rose Bengal.
Artificial Teardrops for Dry Eye
The most common treatment for dry eye is the use of artificial teardrops that help make up for the lack of natural lubricating tears. Artificial tear products come in liquid form, longer-lasting gel form and long-lasting ointment form, which is most often recommended for nighttime use. Many different brands of artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Some contain preservatives and some do not. Unpreserved tears may be recommended for people whose eyes are sensitive to preservatives. Artificial tears can generally be used as often as needed, from a few times per day to every few minutes. You should follow the regimen your doctor recommends.
When infection, inflammation of the eyelids or clogged oil glands contribute to dry eye, special lid cleaning techniques or antibiotics may be recommended. It may also help to avoid hot, dry or windy environments or to humidify the air in your home or office. If artificial teardrops do not suffice, you may be a candidate for other treatment options.
Restasis®
Restasis is an exciting new treatment for Dry Eye Disease. Restasis drops help the eyes produce more tears by reducing inflammation, which is often a cause of dry eye. Unlike artificial tears, Restasis is the first drug proven to effectively treat a cause of Dry Eye Disease rather than only temporarily alleviate symptoms.
Punctal Occlusion
Punctal occlusion is a medical treatment for dry eye that may enable your eyes to make better and longer use of the few lubricating tears they do produce.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a technology that has traditionally been used for improving the skin tone in areas with pigmented spots or unsightly blood vessels on the surface of the skin. More recently, it has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for dry eyes.
Winter can be particularly harsh on the eyes, as cold air outside and dry indoor heat can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. To manage winter dry eye effectively:
- Use a Humidifier: Increasing the humidity in your home or office can help prevent your eyes from drying out. Aim for a humidity level between 30-50%.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, which in turn helps maintain healthy tear production.
- Wear Protective Eyewear: When outside, wear wraparound glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from cold wind and prevent moisture from evaporating.
- Avoid Direct Heat Sources: Try to avoid sitting too close to heaters or fireplaces, which can dry out the air around you.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms. Use them regularly throughout the day.
- Limit Screen Time: Prolonged screen time can reduce your blink rate, which may worsen dry eye. Take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Yes, untreated dry eye can lead to more serious eye conditions. Chronic dry eye can cause damage to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, leading to scarring and vision impairment. It may also increase the risk of eye infections, as tears are essential for washing away debris and bacteria. In severe cases, dry eye can lead to chronic inflammation, further damaging the eye’s surface and impacting overall eye health. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment if you experience persistent dry eye symptoms to prevent potential complications.
Yes, children can experience dry eye, though it is less common than in adults. Factors such as screen time, environmental conditions, or underlying medical conditions can contribute to dry eye in children. The treatment approach for children is similar to that for adults but often requires more careful consideration of the child’s comfort and ability to follow treatment routines.
Choosing our clinic for dry eye treatment means you are entrusting your eye health to a team of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. We utilize the latest technology to assess the severity of your dry eye and customize a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Our comprehensive approach addresses the symptoms and targets the root causes of dry eye, ensuring long-term relief and better eye health. Whether you are dealing with mild discomfort or severe symptoms, we are committed to providing compassionate care and effective solutions to help you see and feel your best.
Schedule A Consultation
If you suffer from dry eye disease, contact Central Valley Eye Medical Group to learn about treatment options. Call us at +1 (209) 239-5303 to schedule your consultation. We serve Stockton, Manteca, and surrounding areas.
