What to Know
Diabetic Eye Exams
While diabetes affects all parts of your body, the eyes are the only spot where we, as your doctors, can see the damage being done. Getting regular eye exams is a vital way to protect your vision and your body from diabetes.
With a diabetic eye exam, early changes can be seen, allowing us the opportunity to treat earlier. This can help prevent many major complications of diabetes, including loss of vision. At Orlando North Eye Clinic, Dr. Sheraly will provide you with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam and take the time to create a personalized plan to help you protect your sight.
Diabetes and the Eyes
When diabetes-related high blood sugar is not carefully monitored or controlled, it can lead to problems that affect your whole body. High sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the body, causing them to become blocked or very leaky. These damaged blood vessels are unable to bring oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding tissue, resulting in further damage.
In the eyes, if blood is not properly flowing, it causes damage to various parts of the eye like the lens and the retina. This can lead to blurry vision and high eye pressures. The most common diabetes-related changes are glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
When diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, the film of the eye, it leads to visible changes. This is referred to as diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Sheraly, our board-certified ophthalmologist, is trained to diagnose and detect diabetic retinopathy and other related conditions from diabetes among other diseases.
What are common symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy can worsen as your diabetes progresses, especially if it is uncontrolled. A typical symptom can be visual disturbances that come and go. Vision may become more blurry, or straight lines may become distorted.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?
Maintaining your blood sugar and scheduling regular eye exams with Dr. Sheraly can be a great way to mitigate your risk of developing retinopathy and other eye conditions.
If diabetic retinopathy is detected, it may be carefully monitored or treated based on individual characteristics. Dr. Sheraly will thoroughly explain your condition and review your options with you before selecting a treatment path.
Diabetes and Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it more difficult to focus. While cataracts can form naturally over time, diabetes can cause them to form more quickly. In some cases they may form twice as fast as those without diabetes. Learn more about cataracts and how Dr. Sheraly and the team approach treatment.
Diabetes and Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when eye pressure gets too high, causing damage to vision. While diabetes and glaucoma are not normally related, in some cases, especially more advanced cases, they may both occur in the eye. This can lead to rapid loss of vision and pain. Dr. Sheraly underwent additional Fellowship Training especially for these challenging cases.
How to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease in 4 Steps
Regularly book a diabetic eye examination with Dr. Sheraly. Dr. Sheraly may be able to detect signs of damage in your eyes with a dilated eye exam before you notice changes in your vision. This is why a regular diabetic eye exam is recommended at least once a year.
Control your blood sugar and blood pressure. Damage to your body and blood vessels is more likely to occur when your blood sugar and blood pressure are not well controlled. By working with your primary care doctor and your eye doctor, together we can create a more holistic treatment plan.
Quit smoking. Both cigarettes and diabetes damage the blood vessels in your body and eyes, leading to more damage. Giving up cigarettes can help lower your risk.
Diet and exercise. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise help in controlling diabetes. Getting into a routine early can help reduce the damage caused by diabetes.
Care for diabetic patients at Orlando North Eye Clinic
In addition to sharing his knowledge and expertise in diabetic eye care, Dr. Sheraly treats diabetes patients with compassion and respect. He recognizes the daily challenges and impact on you as a patient. He works to create a personalized plan that motivates you to work toward your long-term goals of maintaining healthy eyes and protecting your vision.
Book your appointment today at Orlando North Eye Clinic with Dr. Sheraly.
