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Diabetes and Your Eyes

We Treat Eye Complications Caused by Diabetes, in Meadow Lake, SK

Diabetes raises the risk of many ocular diseases, yet our expert, contemporary eye care can help prevent many possible eye complications. At Vision North Eye Care, our professional optometrist, Dr. McLaughlin will examine your eyes with the latest diagnostic technology, watching out for any signs of disease. Regular dilated eye exams are important for avoiding many of the ocular problems due to diabetes, and we’re here to help you benefit from many years of sharp, quality vision. If you have diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational), contact us now to schedule an eye exam near you in our advanced Meadow Lake eye doctor’s office.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diagnosis and Management

Diabetic 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 the entire Saskatchewan Province.

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 totally. 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 destroys 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

Your age and the number of years you have had diabetes are linked to increased chances of a glaucoma diagnosis. 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. Drs. McLaughlin and MacDonald will evaluate your eyes in our Meadow Lake office, using specialized optometry tools that measure eye pressure and inspect for signs of glaucoma. Treatment for this eye disease involves prescription eye drops 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 Vision North Eye Care, Drs. McLaughlin and MacDonald keep up-to-date with the latest approaches in caring for eyes and diabetes, so you’ll receive cutting-edge treatment in our Meadow Lake, SK optometry practice. Book an appointment today.