Diabetic Eye Exam
A serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults over the age of 40 with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. And the rates are even higher among African-Americans and Mexican-Americans.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects your eyes. It is the number one cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). This causes bleeding, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this eye condition.
Protecting your vision from the systemic effects of high blood sugar requires a specialized approach that goes beyond a standard visual acuity test. At Southport Eye Care, our comprehensive screenings are designed to identify the microscopic changes within the ocular anatomy that indicate the onset of vascular disease. By prioritizing these clinical evaluations, patients can take a proactive stance in their healthcare, ensuring that any necessary interventions are implemented long before significant vision loss occurs.
The Role of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
During a specialized exam, we utilize high-resolution imaging to document the state of the retina and its supporting structures. This data provides a baseline that helps us track even the most subtle shifts in ocular health over time. For patients who rely on contact lenses or glasses, these detailed scans are particularly important, as they help distinguish between standard refractive changes and more serious health-related fluctuations that could jeopardize your sight.