Diabetic Eye Care FAQ's

in Dalton, Georgia

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What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that develops as a direct result of diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin to absorb sugar in the blood. This is a life-long disease that can be managed, but not cured. Over time, diabetes causes progressive damage to the retina, damaging blood vessels which can leak blood and fluid, which then damages the retina and harms vision. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy, and is the leading cause of blindness among American adults.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy's effect on your vision varies widely, depending on your stage of diabetes. Some common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Blurred vision (although this is often linked to blood sugar levels as well)
• Floaters and flashes
• Sudden loss of vision

How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?

Your Professional Eye Associates doctor will focus a laser on the damaged retina, using the laser's energy to stop bleeding by sealing the blood vessels. Another option is to remove the blood-filled fluid in the eye and replace it with a clear, artificial solution.

These treatments are effective at slowing or stopping the progression of the disease for some time - but they're not a cure. Because diabetes continues to affect your body, you may experience further retinal damage and vision loss at a later time.

Is Diabetic Retinopathy treatment painful?

No. You are given drops to numb your eye, and can take a mild sedative if you find it difficult to relax. Your doctor will use a small support-device to keep your eye open, which may give a feeling of slight pressure, but is not painful.

How much time will I need to recover from treatment?

A protective eye patch will be placed on your eye so you'll need someone to drive you home. Take it easy for the rest of the day, and return to Professional Eye Associates the next day to have your eye patch removed and have an eye exam. Depending on the type of diabetic eye care treatment, your recovery time could range from a few days to several weeks.

Are there side effects from Diabetic Retinopathy treatment?

Side effects from Diabetic Retinopathy surgery are dependent upon the type of treatment you receive. Generally, you can expect:

• Blurry vision for a day or so
• Small spots in your visual field
• Difficulties with night vision
• A loss of peripheral vision to save central vision

What's the first step in handling my Diabetic Retinopathy?

If you are diabetic, it's very important to have your eyes examined regularly by an experienced diabetic eye care doctor and to report any change in vision immediately. Call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tim O'Boyle, our diabetic specialist, or use our online scheduling form. Your consultation includes a thorough examination and discussion of your treatment options. You can ask all your questions and we'll give you clear answers.

Our experienced eye doctors at Professional Eye Associates offer a wide range of vision correction procedures and treatments for eye diseases or damage. If you're in the Dalton, Calhoun or Ellijay areas feel free to call or email us to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to talking with you!

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