Diabetic Eye Evaluations

Dr. Stock evaluates retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, as well as visual symptoms including blurred vision, flashes and floaters, or intermittent vision fluctuations. Retinal evaluations are also performed for vascular, inflammatory, infectious and degenerative conditions. Annual exams or more frequent follow-ups may be required if any of these diseases are present.

Diabetes Causes Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of decreased vision. It results from damage to the blood vessels in your retina, which leads to leakage, bleeding and swelling.

Good control of blood glucose can prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy. Annual eye exams are essential to find damage as soon as possible and to get treatment started before severe damage occurs. Blood vessel damage also causes kidney disease and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Macular degeneration is another common retinal disease that Dr. Stock looks for during an eye exam. If the aggressive “wet” form of the disease is present, patients are usually aware of a recent and significant change in vision in one or both eyes. Dry macular degeneration may not cause symptoms until it is advanced; however, early diagnosis may delay vision loss.

Retinal Causes of Vision Loss

The most common retinal causes of vision loss are blood vessel occlusions and retinal detachment. Preservation of some or all of the vision may be possible in these conditions. Early diagnosis is a key element in achieving the best possible outcome.

If you call our office with symptoms which are common in these events, we will try to see you that day or first thing the following day to run the appropriate diagnostic tests and to get treatment started.