Diabetic Eyecare Wimbledon
Here at Fiona Watt Optometrists, we offer diabetic eyecare in Wimbledon. We recommend a comprehensive diabetic eye examination at least once a year for all diabetic patients. Diabetic eye exams are the best way to check for eye pathology caused by diabetes. Eye related problems in diabetics are known as diabetic retinopathies and may develop when the blood vessels in your retina become damaged. Left untreated or delayed detection could lead to visual impairment and eventual sight loss.
During your extensive diabetic eye examination, we will dilate your pupils using 0.5% Tropicamide. This will allow the optometrist to gain the best possible view of your retina with our Daytona Optomap machine. This machine is able to capture a 200 degree view of the retina enabling peripheral changes to be detected and recorded.
The optometrist will discuss your results with you and if necessary refer you to see an ophthalmologist or write a report back to your general practitioner.
The longer you have diabetes the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy. It is therefore very important to adopt lifestyle changes, control and manage your diabetes.
Fiona Watt Optometrists have a wealth of knowledge for detecting and monitoring associated with diabetes.
Diabetes and the retina
Diabetic patients are at significantly at risk of developing complications with their sight and eye health. The eye has a lens and an opening (aperture) at the front. This adjusts to bring objects into focus on the retina at the back of the eye. At the centre of the retina is the macula, this is a small area about the size of a pinhead. This is the most specialised part of the retina and it is vital because it enables you to see fine detail and read small print.
Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways:
Young people suffering with diabetes can occasionally develop a special type of cataract. Whilst older patients with diabetes can be particularly prone to developing cataracts. Cataracts in both scenarios can be successfully removed by surgery.
Your vision can become blurred for a few days or weeks while your diabetes is first being controlled. This is due to the swelling of the lens of the eyes, this will clear without treatment after the diabetes is controlled.
The most serious diabetic eye condition involves the retina and is called diabetic retinopathy. It is very common in people who have had diabetes for a long time. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy which can damage your sight, maculopathy, when the blood vessels in the retina start to leak and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, when the blood vessels in the retina to become blocked. Without treatment, total loss of vision can occur in proliferative retinopathy.
Journey To A Clearer Future
Prevention
Although your vision may be good, changes can be taking place in your retina that need treatment and because most sight loss in diabetes is preventable:
- Early diagnosis is vital.
- Have an eye examination every year or as soon as you notice any changes in your vision.
- Do not wait until your vision has deteriorated to have an eye examination.
- Ensure you go to an optometrist or optician with specialist experience in treating patients with diabetes.