Preserve Your Vision With Hermitage EyeCare

Diabetic Retinopathy in Hermitage

Preserve Your Vision With Hermitage EyeCare

(615) 889-2274

Have diabetes?

Experiencing changes in vision, such as blurriness and eye floaters?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss around the world. Of an estimated 285 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide, approximately one-third have signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are several steps people with diabetes can take to prevent or minimize vision loss.

Blood sugar level check


What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

noraml eye and an eye with  diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels clustered within your retina. This leads to swelling or fluid leakage and can result in vision loss and even blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy also raises the risk of retinal detachment and/or glaucoma.

Because the early stages of diabetic retinopathy show no symptoms, many don't realize they have it until the disease has progressed.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. To reduce your risk and protect your vision, schedule an eye exam with Hermitage EyeCare today.


What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

diabetic-retinopothy-oct-scan

As mentioned above, the early phase of diabetic retinopathy typically shows no symptoms. This is why it's important to have routine eye exams (all the more so if you have diabetes), as your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy in its earlier stages before symptoms become apparent.

Symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Double vision
  • Near vision problems
  • Seeing dark spots (scotomas)
  • Difficulty seeing at night

What are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Retinopathy (early stage):
This occurs when small bulges–or microaneurysms–form in blood vessels and can leak fluid into the retina.

Proliferative Retinopathy (later phase):
This refers to abnormal vessel growth and leakage in the retina. This triggers a variety of vision problems such as blurriness, reduced field of vision, and even blindness.

If you have diabetes, Hermitage EyeCare in Hermitage offers diagnostic tests and treatment options to help preserve your vision. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome.

Diabetic-Retinopathy-Bllod-sugar-level-checker


How Optometrists Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Medical history

    Your optometrist will ask about your medical history, including diabetes, as well as your family history of eye conditions.

  • Dilated pupil exam

    Your optometrist will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils so they can see inside the eye and detect any issues.

  • Fluorescein angiography

    This eye test uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid.

  • Optical coherence tomography

    This imaging method shows a cross-section of the retina and can indicate whether vessels are leaking fluid into the retina.


How to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy

senior man with diabetic retinopathy

Treatment begins with managing blood sugar levels and diabetes. This means eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking whatever diabetes medication has been prescribed.

Other treatments will depend on the stage or severity of the disease. If caught early, only blood sugar management may be necessary.

However, if you're in a more advanced stage of the diseases, treatment options may include:
  • Eye medications. Steroid and Anti-VEGF treatments can stop inflammation and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Laser surgery. Reduces the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels and swelling in the retina.
  • Vitrectomy. If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may need an eye surgery called vitrectomy. This procedure removes scar tissue, blood or fluid, and some of the vitreous gel so light rays can better focus on the retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

What are the major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

As the name suggests, diabetes is the main risk factor for developing diabetic retinopathy. Be mindful of your family history of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get an annual eye exam to detect potential problems early.

Other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also risk factors. Moreover, those of African or Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

There are a number of ways to preserve your vision and reduce the risk of vision and eye damage due to diabetic retinopathy.

  • Visit your eye doctor for annual eye exams.
  • Control your blood sugar levels.
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Quit smoking.

The best thing you can do right now is to schedule your eye exam with Hermitage EyeCare in Hermitage to ensure that everything is in check.

Does diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness among work-aged adults. It affects one in three people with diabetes and often goes unnoticed at first. Diagnosing and treating the condition early on can prevent severe vision loss.

Patient Reviews
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- Oct. 22, 2024
They were extremely busy and short staffed when I went in but they made sure I knew I was being wait... ed on. My eye exam helped my vision tremendously and I really liked their glasses options. I will go back.
- Oct. 12, 2024
Great staff
- Sep. 25, 2024
I went in for an eye exam (naturally) and was taken back by first, the atmosphere. It’s nice, clea... n, and very welcoming. The lady at the front desk was super sweet, cheerful, and made the checking in process go by very smoothly for a new patient. I was then taken back to the room by the technician. Her name is Misty. She is so fun! Her personality was great, her punctuality was on point. I then saw Dr Ditto, who in my opinion is the best at what she does. She’s very warm, super detailed, very thorough. After the exam I was greeted by a lady name Tasha, who helped me pick glasses that seem like that were made especially for me. She had no issue answering any question I had. She was exceptionally patient as I sent photos to my husband to help me pick the right ones. She and my husband actually chose the same pair. I was super comfortable at this establishment. If you’re needing an exam and wanting and needing that feel of being comfortable in every step possible, this is your place.
- Aug. 08, 2024
The staff were absolutely great! Highly recommend!
- Aug. 07, 2024
Excellent....I never have to wait long, and everyone is friendly and professional.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I am 73 years old and have been a patient of Dr. Hammond for close to 40 years. Of all of the numero... us medical doctors I have been to, Dr. Hammond is the most sincere and caring medical provider that has treated my medical needs. I had some really unique issues and many previous procedures with my eyes that made my case quite a challenge for any optomerist. Dr. Hammond diligently worked through my numerous vision issues and came up with an excellent solution utilizing some speciallly made rigid contact lens. My vision has been 20/20 for the past several years as a result of his care and treatment...... Dr. Hammond, I appreciate all of you diligent work with my vision needs for these many years and wish you nothing but the best during the next chapter of your life!
- Jun. 27, 2024
This was my first time visiting Hermitage Eye Care. The whole staff was friendly and helpful, and Dr... . Parsely was wonderful. Highly recommend.
- Jun. 26, 2024
Dr. Hammond has been the PERSONALITY of Hermitage Eye Care to my family. I am hopefully that same p... ersonality continues as he retires. Enjoy your personal time in retirement Dr. Hammond!
- Jun. 16, 2024
Dr. Sickman was awesome. The rest of the staff was as well. Nice location. Nice frame options as ... well.
- Jun. 15, 2024
Great experience start to finish! Highly recommend. 5 Stars 👀
- Jun. 11, 2024
Excellent experience.. The knowledge of the staff was great as well as they were all kind!
- Jun. 07, 2024
These people rock. Plain and simple
- Jun. 04, 2024
Amazing staff
- May. 31, 2024
Dr. Ditto and the staff at Hermitage Eye Care have been an absolute breath of fresh air for our fami... ly! Compassionate care, and everyone makes you feel comfortable. I highly recommend them!
- May. 24, 2024
Every visit I've experienced is welcoming, thorough and informative. Upon departing my visits, I lea... ve with the certainty that i will return to Hermitage Eyecare for future needs.
- May. 21, 2024
I injured my eye during routing lawn maintenance and needed to see someone immediately. They were ve... ry accommodating, professional, friendly, and efficient. It was my first time but based on first impressions, I will be back
- May. 08, 2024
I've been a patient of Dr Hammond's for years and have always had the best experience when I am seen... in their office.
- May. 05, 2024
Great staff . Everyone was great at their job. I would definitely recommend.
- May. 02, 2024
Nice place friendly staff would recommend you go see them for your eye needs!!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Great!

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Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Hermitage

Our optometry practice in Hermitage

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blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(615) 889-2274