Diabetic Eye Doctors in Lynnwood & Bothell
Diabetes affects more than 37 million people in the U.S., and it is estimated that one in three adults with diabetes has some form of diabetic eye disease. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision-threatening conditions.
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye care, using advanced technology to monitor, manage, and protect your vision.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes impacts the small blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When these vessels become weak, swell, or leak, it can lead to blurred vision, retinal damage, and even blindness if left untreated.
Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment and potential blindness.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina), causing distorted or blurry vision.
- Increased Risk of Cataracts: People with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age.
- Higher Risk of Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.
The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetic eye disease can progress silently, often causing no noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The good news? Early detection and proper management can prevent up to 95% of vision loss from diabetic eye disease, making regular eye exams crucial.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes, affecting nearly one in three diabetics. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding, swelling, and abnormal new blood vessel growth.
- Early-Stage (Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy): Blood vessels weaken and leak, causing mild to moderate vision changes.
- Advanced-Stage (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy): New, fragile blood vessels form, leading to bleeding inside the eye, scarring, and retinal detachment.
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
While early-stage diabetic retinopathy may not require immediate treatment, advanced cases may require intervention to prevent further damage. We can refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure Control: Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can slow disease progression and prevent severe vision loss.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin can reduce swelling, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and stabilize vision.
- Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation): Laser treatment seals leaking blood vessels, preventing further retinal damage.
- Vitrectomy (For Advanced Cases): A surgical procedure to remove scar tissue and blood from the eye, restoring vision in severe cases.
Tips to Protect Your Vision
- Get a diabetic eye exam at least once a year.
- Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
- Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of diabetic eye disease.
- Eat a healthy diet of leafy greens, fish, and nuts to support eye health.
- Monitor your vision and report any changes immediately.
Diabetic Eye Care FAQs
Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam in Washington
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we specialize in advanced diabetic eye care, offering comprehensive screenings and customized treatment plans to help safeguard your vision. Book an appointment to see how we can help protect your vision and overall health.