Diabetic Retinopathy Management in Huntersville
Your Eye Health
May Be at Risk
Did you know that if you have diabetes, your eye health is also at risk? Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar—it affects blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. One of the most serious eye complications from diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Lakeside Eye Associates is skilled in detecting and managing diabetic retinopathy to protect your sight and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
Developing Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. As the disease progresses, these damaged blood vessels can leak fluid, causing swelling in the retina. Over time, new, abnormal blood vessels may grow, but these fragile vessels can bleed or scar, further impacting your vision.
Key Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
While anyone with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing complications:
- Duration of Diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
- Poor Blood Sugar Control: Consistently high blood sugar levels can accelerate damage to the blood vessels in your retina.
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure further stresses the blood vessels, increasing your risk of eye complications.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can worsen blood vessel damage.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women with diabetes may experience a more rapid onset or progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Examine and Monitor Your Eyes
At Lakeside Eye Associates, we prioritize early detection and accurate monitoring of diabetic retinopathy using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology. Our advanced tools allow us to assess the health of your retina and detect changes over time, ensuring timely and proactive care.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to detect signs of swelling or fluid leakage, even in the earliest stages.
Optomap Retinal Imaging
This imaging technology captures a wide-angle view of the retina, enabling us to spot areas of concern without dilating your eyes. Optomap is especially useful for monitoring blood vessel health.
Fluorescein Angiography
This diagnostic procedure involves injecting a special dye into your bloodstream to highlight blood flow in the retina, helping us identify leaking blood vessels or abnormal growths.