Diabetic Retinopathy
At Lisa M. McDevitt, OD, we prioritize the health of each of our patients, not just focusing on their vision strength or abilities. One of the most common complications related to diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels of the eyes and can result in vision impairment or, in some cases, permanent blindness. If you're at risk of diabetic retinopathy, already have diabetes, or it's been a while since your last eye exam, Lisa M. McDevitt, OD is here for you.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive eye disease that leads to permanent damage to the retina's blood vessels, often due to poorly controlled blood sugar levels. This can result in temporary or permanent vision issues. In uncontrolled cases, diabetic retinopathy can also lead to total vision loss in one or more affected eyes.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
• Dark spots or floaters in your visual field
• Colors that appear washed out or faded
• Fluctuating vision or increasingly blurred vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Vision loss (sometimes permanent, in severe cases)
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed by an Optometrist?
When visiting an optometrist, such as Lisa M. McDevitt, OD, you may undergo:
• A Comprehensive Eye Exam: A comprehensive eye exam is essential for understanding your eye health needs. A visual acuity test may be part of this process.
• Dilation: Dilated eye exams are used to examine the retina in detail by widening the pupils.
• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): An OCT imaging test helps evaluate the overall health of the retina's surface and assesses any swelling or changes in the layers of your retina.
Contact Lisa M. McDevitt, OD in Reading, PA
Anyone struggling with blood sugar control issues, diabetes, or other sugar-related conditions needs to take the possibility of developing diabetic retinopathy seriously. At Lisa M. McDevitt, OD in Reading, PA, we provide the ongoing eye exams and care you need from a trusted eye doctor who you can rely on, especially in times of need. Whether you're interested in comprehensive eye exams or want to learn more about lifestyle changes for managing diabetic retinopathy, contact Lisa M. McDevitt, OD to schedule your consultation and initial appointment with our eye doctor near you.