Can Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Help Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?
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Diabetic retinopathy is a worrisome concern that people with diabetes should note for their eye health. The condition entails blood vessels in the eye tissue experiencing damage. Blindness can occur in some cases, while many patients with diabetic retinopathy can also develop blurry vision. The condition can develop about 3 – 5 years after a person is diagnosed with diabetes. The problem could become worse if the patient hasn’t been diagnosed with diabetes in the past.
An annual diabetic eye exam is necessary for ensuring your eyes are safe and healthy. You may prevent diabetic retinopathy with an annual exam. Our ophthalmologists at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham can help you with the process to ensure your eyes receive the assistance necessary for their optimal health in Birmingham, AL.
Review your eye health
The diabetic retinopathy process will include a review of how well your eyes are functioning. An ophthalmoscope will help review the retina in the back part of the eye. The device will monitor the blood vessels that supply the eyes with the blood they require. Diabetic retinopathy can occur when the vessels in those areas become damaged and fail to deliver blood to the eyes.
Is dilation necessary?
One part of your diabetic eye exam at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham entails dilation. The practice involves applying drops in your eyes to dilate or widen the pupil. It is easier for a doctor to review the insides of your eyes after the dilation occurs.
The doctor can review the nerves and blood vessels around your eyes to determine if there is any damage to the nerves. You can learn if you have this condition or if it is advancing further through the dilation process in Birmingham, AL.
What is fluorescein angiography?
Fluorescein angiography may also be necessary in some situations. The test reviews how the blood vessels in the retina function and identifies possible changes in how they work. A fluorescent dye will be injected into a vein. The doctor will then take photos of the retina, noticing as the dye outlines the blood vessels. The treatment will identify if the vessels are misshapen or experiencing other dramatic concerns.
What treatments are available?
You’ll require annual diabetic eye exams to help identify cases where diabetic retinopathy might be progressing. Since the condition is irreversible, you will need immediate help to keep it from becoming worse.
Injections and medications can help reduce the intensity of retinopathy and prevent the condition from spreading further. Laser treatments may also work, although the specific support you’ll require will vary by person, surrounding how the retinopathy is progressing.
Consult us today to schedule your diabetic eye exam in Birmingham, AL
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness if not treated soon enough. You will require regular reviews to help identify this condition and see how it can be alleviated. While there is no cure for the issue, a thorough treatment solution will be necessary to keep it from moving too fast.
Visit our ophthalmologists at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham for your annual diabetic eye exam. You can schedule an appointment with us today to ensure you receive the support you need for your eye health in Birmingham, AL.