Diabetic Eye Problems in Napa, CA

Diabetes impacts our entire body, including the eyes. Without proper care, diabetes increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (leakage of the blood vessels in the retina). It is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is important that you visit your eye doctor for diabetes in Napa, CA. Our team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley can help identify, prevent, and manage any eye diseases stemming from diabetes. For more information, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our diabetic eye specialists in Napa, CA.

In most cases, there are no early signs or symptoms of diabetic eye conditions. As diabetes progresses and causes damage to the eye, symptoms can begin to manifest, such as dry eyes. The symptoms patients may develop as a result of diabetic eye problems include:

• Dark areas or vision loss
• Blurry vision
• Flashes of light
• Poor color vision
• Dark spots or floaters
• Frequently changing vision

Seeking treatment for blurry vision, watery eyes, or any of the above-listed symptoms from a reputable eye center in Napa, CA if you have diabetes is vital. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team to schedule an appointment.

Diabetic eye problems occur due to high blood sugar levels, which can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this damage can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma. Elevated blood sugar may cause these vessels to swell, leak, or grow abnormally, affecting the retina's ability to function properly. Without proper blood flow, the retina is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can result in vision problems or even vision loss.

Diabetic eye problems are influenced by several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for proactive eye care management. The primary risk factors for diabetic eye problems include:

• Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
• Long duration of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Genetic predisposition

Diabetic eye problems are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which typically includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and tonometry. During the dilated eye exam at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allowing the ophthalmologist to closely inspect the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage. Imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also be used to capture detailed images of the retina. These diagnostic procedures help identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other diabetes-related eye conditions.

Elevated blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to leak and grow haphazardly. These changes are detrimental to your vision. Yearly exams can help us identify any eye symptoms in the eyes from diabetes to and give us a better chance of managing vision loss. Typical tests performed during an annual diabetic exam include dilation of the eyes to examine the retina and tonometry to measure pressure (glaucoma). This information will help us monitor your condition over time. If treatment is necessary, we may prescribe medications or perform laser treatment or eye injections. If you have diabetes and are looking for Napa Valley diabetic eye treatment, contact our office to help preserve your ocular health.

What are some of the signs that diabetes is affecting sight?
When you're diabetic, it is important to maintain regular eye exams to ensure your eyes are in good health. A few signs your diabetes might be impacting your sight are:

• blurry vision
• changes in night vision
• frequent headaches
• chronic eye fatigue

Do diabetic eye issues cause pain?
There are certain diabetic eye issues that can cause irritation and pain. Among these, you may experience swelling and aches. To learn more about the symptoms you might experience, reach out to a member of our team.

How long does it take for diabetes to affect your eyesight?
It generally takes around 5 – 10 years to develop diabetic eye disease. However, there are steps you can take to help manage these conditions. To get diabetic eye care in Napa, CA, contact our team.

If you have diabetes, it is important to see a diabetic eye specialist in Napa, CA. It is just as important to take care of your eye health as it is to meet with your medical doctor when managing your diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to vision loss. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley have years of education and experience in working with individuals with diabetes. We are here to help our Napa, American Canyon, and Yountville, CA patients maintain proper eye health. To schedule a consultation or for more information on maintaining your eye health while managing diabetes, feel free to give our office a call today.