Austin Vision Center Offers Diabetic Eye Exams

People with diabetes must take special care of their eyes because of the damage this condition can cause. Careful management of your blood sugar levels and regular visits to the eye doctor can help you maintain good vision. At Austin Vision Center in Austin, TX, we offer comprehensive exams to monitor the eye health of our patients with diabetes.

Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin, or does not produce enough of it. Insulin is an important hormone that removes excess glucose from the bloodstream. When glucose builds up in the blood, it can cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a host of health problems. Because the blood vessels in the eyes are very small and delicate, they are particularly vulnerable to damage. That’s why careful monitoring of the eye is so important for people with diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the retina. The retina is made of tissue that is sensitive to light, and converts the light into signals that are interpreted by the brain. Diabetes causes the blood vessels in this tissue to leak blood or develop abnormal vessels, which affects vision. Individuals with diabetic retinopathy may experience blurred vision, have difficulty distinguishing colors, see floating "strings" in their field of vision, floating spots, or colorless spots that impair their vision. Diabetic retinopathy can also cause poor night vision. New, abnormal blood vessels can result in leakage and vision loss. Hemorrhage can occur within the vitreous gel of the eyes.

Regular Eye Exams Can Help Protect Your Vision

If you have diabetes, your primary care physician may recommend having your eyes examined regularly, generally once or twice a year. This way, your eye doctor can closely monitor your vision and eye health to ensure that no problems have developed. If signs of fluid or blood leakage are found, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for additional treatment.

Your Optometrist in Austin, TX, Provides Essential Eye Care For Optimal Health

Dr. Hutson and Dr. Tran use their years of experience to provide quality vision care for their patients in Austin, TX, and surrounding areas. We provide many services, including pediatric eye care, contact lens fitting, vision therapy, pre- and post-LASIK surgery consultation, and management of eye diseases. Call Austin Vision Center today at 512-477-2282 (Central) or 512-258-2282 (West) for an appointment to ensure good eye health.