Diabetic Eye Care
Eye Care for Diabetic Patients
For patients with diabetes, proper management of the disease is critical to maintaining eye health. At David B. Brill, O.D., P.A., we provide the ocular disease management
that patients need to minimize the effects of diabetes.
Diabetic patients often face a number of problems related to the disease. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can drastically impact the quality of a patient's vision. Our optometrist and staff are committed to helping patients address these conditions effectively.
If you are diabetic and having problems with your vision, call (727) 724-9480
to schedule a diabetic eye care appointment at our office in Clearwater, Florida.
Cataract Surgery Co-Management
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of an eye. This clouding prevents images taken in by the eye from clearly focusing on the retina, which can cause severely blurred vision, particularly after the age of 65. While anyone can be affected by cataracts, people living with diabetes are as much as 60% more likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts are typically age related, but excessive exposure to sunlight and certain medications may also cause cataracts to form earlier than normal.
Many patients will eventually need cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and an intraocular lens is inserted. It is possible to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism during this procedure. Bifocal and other refractive implants are available which can allow you to see far and close without the need for glasses. David B. Brill O.D., P.A. partners with leading cataract surgeons to assist in the management and care of the eyes post-surgery.
Glaucoma Testing and Evaluation
The term glaucoma refers to the eye diseases that affect the eye's optic nerve. Patients with glaucoma have increased eye pressure, caused by health complications, which damages the optic nerve and limits the eye's ability to provide the brain with visual information. An abnormal level of pressure on the eyes is a strong indicator of glaucoma and it is one of the factors that eye doctors look for when testing for the disease.
About Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the common effects that diabetes has on many patients across the country is the disease of diabetic retinopathy. This disease is characterized by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. In diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels can swell, leak, or close so that blood cannot pass through them. Those affected by this disease may also develop new, abnormal blood vessels. These changes in the blood vessels can lead to a severe loss of vision.
At David B. Brill, O.D., P.A. we have the advanced technology to diagnose the different stages of diabetic retinopathy and work closely with retinal specialists when specialized treatment is needed.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If you are having vision problems that may be related to diabetes, call our office to schedule an appointment