Diabetic Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Diabetes and Your Eyes: Appointments with Your Optometrist in Des Moines

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels caused by diabetes can affect your head to toe, and especially in your eyes. Even if you haven’t noticed symptoms, diabetes may have already caused slight changes in your vision. Left untreated, diabetes can rob you of clear vision in a number of ways. The first step to prevent complications from diabetes and your eyes is to make an appointment with your optometrist in Des Moines, Huseman Eye Care.

Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA Treatments for Diabetic Eye Complications

At our two offices in Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA, we offer comprehensive treatments for diabetic eye complications.

Diabetic retinopathy – describes any retina disorder caused by diabetes. In diabetic retinopathy, capillaries in the back of the eye balloon and may leak blood. Left untreated, this will cause blindness. Yearly eye exams are key to prevention. Treatments, such as scatter photocoagulation, focal photocoagulation and vitrectomy are most successful after early diagnosis.
Cataracts – a condition that clouds eye’s lens and blocks light. While anyone can get cataracts, people with diabetes are 60 percent more likely to develop it, according to the American Diabetes Association. We can treat mild cataracts with prescription lenses, including prescription sunglasses. In more advanced cases, surgery is required.
Glaucoma – causes pressure to build up inside the eye, which eventually leads to decreased peripheral vision. People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop it, cites the ADA. We screen for glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure with a tonometer. Glaucoma treatment can be as simple as daily eye drops and corrective eyewear. Laser surgery is successful in treating more advanced cases.

Contact Huseman Eye Care for Diabetic Eye Exams Today!

If you have diabetes, an annual eye exam with dilation is vital to your vision. At Huseman Eye Care, your optometrist in Des Moines, we offer regular exams and emergency appointments. We also treat bacterial infections and styes, which are more common in people with diabetes. Make your appointment today. For Des Moines, call 515-278-1653 and visit 3800 Merle Hay Rd #407, Des Moines, IA, 50310. For West Des Moines, call 515-224-9681 and visit 1551 Valley West Dr. #242 West Des Moines, IA 50265.