Diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable new onset blindness among US adults aged 20-74.

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can have diabetic eye disease and not know it,  as it is painless and often has no symptoms until very advanced stages. But with appropriate care you can reduce the risk of blindness and increase your chances of preserving sight.

Currently, the American Diabetes Association recommends that adults and children 10 and older with Type 1 diabetes have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination within five years after they are diagnosed with diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes are advised to have a dilated and comprehensive exam shortly after the diagnosis of diabetes. After the initial exam, everyone with diabetes is encouraged to have a yearly exam to look for changes in the blood vessels of the retina that indicate diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy develops as prolonged exposure to high blood glucose weakens the walls of the blood vessels in the eyes. The longer a person has had diabetes and the greater his exposure to high blood glucose, the greater his risk of having this condition and developing permanent vision loss.

At Valley Vision Eyecare, we are using the latest in technology to monitor your retinal health.  Your optometrists often are the first to detect changes in your diabetes.  Retinal imaging and dilated eye exams are important to monitoring changes to your retinal health.  Dr. Hastie and Dr. Jones work closely with your primary care provider to prevent vision loss.