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Diabetic Eye Screening

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Diabetes significantly affects your overall body, increasing the risk of several eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Protect Your Vision with Diabetic Eye Exams

Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes must opt for regular eye exams and diabetic eye screening to identify retinopathy at its earliest stages. Without regular eye screening, you may eventually suffer from poor eyesight because of diabetic retinopathy. West Coast Eye Institute performs regular eye exams to identify and treat potential eye problems at the earliest stage possible.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition wherein increased blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, which leads to fluid leakage into the retina and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. The retina is the light-sensitive part at the back of your eye. As such, a damaged retina can lead to blurry vision and, if left untreated, blindness. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a high risk of diabetic retinopathy.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

  • Dots and dark strings in your vision
  • Empty areas in your vision
  • Blurry vision
  • Inability to focus
  • Fluctuating vision changes
  • Color changes in your vision
  • Partial or complete loss of vision

The two types of diabetic retinopathy

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

NPDR is a condition wherein the small blood vessels in the retina are damaged, leading to retinal hemorrhage, microaneurysms, and the accumulation of fluids in the retina. This leads to the swelling of the retina, which is called diabetic macular edema (DME). NPDR starts with blurry vision and progressively worsens if left untreated. The deprivation of the normal blood supply to the retina eventually leads to severe diabetic retinopathy.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

PDR is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. At this stage, the retina sends signals that trigger the growth of abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) along the retina. These new blood vessels can bleed easily, leading to severe vision problems and potential blindness. The presence of abnormal blood vessels can also prevent fluid drainage, which can lead to neovascular glaucoma. This can also lead to permanent blindness.

Diabetic eye screening identifies and controls diabetic retinopathy

During your diabetic eye screening, the ophthalmologist will place eye drops to dilate your pupils. This allows them to examine your eyes closely and determine if you have diabetic retinopathy. When your eyes are dilated, the ophthalmologist may perform the following diagnostic tests:

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides images taken from a cross-section of your eyes. It reveals the thickness of your retina and if there’s any fluid leakage from damaged blood vessels.
  • Fluorescein angiography involves taking pictures of the inside of your eyes. The ophthalmologist will use a special dye to identify the blocked blood vessels.

Most diabetic patients don’t identify the earliest signs of retinopathy, which leads to the condition progressing to dangerous levels. You must go for regular eye exams and diabetic eye screening to identify and control retinopathy at the earliest stage possible. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, please schedule an appointment for your diabetic eye screening in Bakersfield, CA.

Real Patient Reviews

Yvonne J.

Dr Walia is very knowledgeable, personable and compassionate. He told me about new drops for my extremely dry eyes, just FDA approved. He also caught my husband's cataract development at a routine exam.

Charlene W.

I went in for my annual I exam (which was 3 years late) believing I would be needing a new prescription. I was overjoyed to find my eyes had not changed at all so I didn’t have to pay for new glasses. Dr. Waliah and his staff are the best. I have and will again recommend...

Lorena L.

Great staff, doctor and eye exam was excellent.

Erica R.

I was recently seen at West Coast Eye Institute by Dr. Walia. The front office and back office staff were all very friendly and courteous. While waiting in the exam room Julia kept checking in and letting me know the Dr would be in soon...

Johnny S.

Very professional service Doctor was very informative Eye exam was great

Prioritize Your Eye Health with Regular Screenings

Diabetes can impact your vision, increasing the risk of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Routine eye exams are essential for early detection and prevention, helping to protect your eyesight before complications arise. At West Coast Eye Institute, we are committed to preserving your vision with comprehensive diabetic eye screenings. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your exam today and take a proactive step toward lifelong eye health.

Contact West Coast Eye Institute Today

Enhanced Vision is in Sight

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