Diabetic Eye Exams
Safeguard your vision from the impact of diabetes with expert care and early detection at The Kalt-Goldberg Eye Center.
Diabetic eye disease encompasses a range of vision-threatening conditions that can develop in individuals with diabetes. Over time, diabetes can cause serious complications such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma—each of which can impair vision and, if left untreated, may lead to blindness.
At The Kalt-Goldberg Eye Center, we specialize in the early detection and management of diabetic eye disease. Our skilled ophthalmologists use advanced diagnostic technology to identify signs of damage early and develop personalized treatment plans designed to preserve your vision and protect your long-term eye health.
Types of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes can lead to several serious eye conditions that threaten vision over time:
Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition occurs when weakened blood vessels in the retina begin to leak or grow abnormally. Over time, these changes can damage the retina and significantly impair vision.
Glaucoma
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma. This condition often progresses without noticeable symptoms, making routine screenings especially important for early detection and protection against vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema
A complication of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema occurs when fluid builds up in the macula—the central part of the retina—leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Cataracts
Although cataracts can affect anyone, individuals with diabetes face a higher risk. Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, resulting in decreased visual clarity.
Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye diseases typically progress slowly, often developing over several years. In their early stages, they may present mild or even no symptoms—especially in the case of glaucoma.
As the disease advances, symptoms may include:
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Sparkles or flickers in the visual field
- Faded or altered color perception
- An increase in floaters
- Dark patches in the visual field
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Frequent changes in prescription eyewear
How Is Diabetic Eye Disease Diagnosed?
The best defense against diabetic eye disease is regular, comprehensive eye exams with your ophthalmologist at The Kalt-Goldberg Eye Center. These may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Glaucoma screening
- Peripheral vision assessment
How Is Diabetic Eye Disease Treated?
Treatment depends on the specific condition and its severity. There are a range of advanced treatment options, including:
- Prescription medications to manage intraocular pressure
- Laser therapy to target abnormal blood vessels and reduce swelling
- Vitrectomy surgery to remove scar tissue and restore clearer vision
- Cataract surgery when clouding of the lens affects eyesight
In addition to eye care, effective diabetes management through your primary care provider is essential to help protect your vision long-term.
