Diabetic Eye Care
offered in St. Croix Falls, Frederic and Webster, WI
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Diabetic Eye Care services offered in St. Croix Falls, Frederic and Webster, WI
If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to experience diabetic eye problems, like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. At St. Croix Falls Eye Associates, in St. Croix Falls, Webster, and Frederic, Wisconsin, licensed optometrists Lawrence Tran, OD, and Sandra Dolphin, OD, specialize in treating diabetic eye problems. They can help keep your blood sugar in check and preserve your vision. Call the nearest office today to receive diabetic eye care, or book your appointment online.
Diabetic Eye Care Q & A
What is diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease occurs because of diabetes, a group of illnesses that interfere with your pancreas’ ability to regulate blood sugar.
If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels. If you don’t, you’re at risk of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and vision loss.
Who can benefit from diabetic eye care?
Anyone living with diabetes can benefit from diabetic eye care at St. Croix Falls Eye Associates. That’s particularly true if you have diabetes and experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Slow vision loss over time
- Shadows or missing areas in your line of vision
- Trouble seeing at night
Diabetic eye disease often develops slowly, so it rarely presents symptoms at first. Visiting St. Croix Falls Eye Associates every year can alert you to diabetes-related problems.
What are the types of diabetic eye disease?
St. Croix Falls Eye Associates treats several types of diabetic eye disease, including:
Diabetic retinopathy
If you have diabetes and don’t take your medication or make healthy lifestyle changes, it damages the blood vessels in the back of your eye (retina).
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud the lens of your eye. Anyone can develop cataracts, but diabetes increases your risk.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs because of high intraocular pressure. Without treatment, the increased pressure damages your optic nerve, resulting in vision loss or blindness.
Like cataracts, anyone can develop glaucoma, but having diabetes increases your risk.
Retinal detachment
The leading cause of retinal detachment is diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms include the sudden appearance of floaters and blurred vision.
How is diabetic eye disease treated?
Treatment of diabetic eye disease depends on the type of diabetes you have and how well you keep your blood sugar in check. Sometimes, healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, taking your medication, and quitting smoking can keep your eyes healthy and prevent your diabetes from worsening.
If you have diabetic retinopathy, surgery might be necessary. St. Croix Falls Eye Associates might recommend:
Laser eye surgery
Your optometrist uses targeted light energy to close or shrink the abnormal blood vessels at the back of your eye.
Vitrectomy
Your optometrist removes the vitreous –– a gellike substance in the center of your eye –– to better access your retina. They then use special tools to remove diseased or damaged tissue or make repairs.
Call St. Croix Falls Eye Associates today to receive treatment for diabetic eye disease, or make your appointment online.