Preserve Your Vision With Waterford Lakes EyeCare

Diabetic Retinopathy in Orlando

Preserve Your Vision With Waterford Lakes EyeCare

(407) 382-6011

Have diabetes?

Experiencing changes in vision, such as blurriness and eye floaters?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss around the world. Of an estimated 285 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide, approximately one-third have signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are several steps people with diabetes can take to prevent or minimize vision loss.

Blood sugar level check


What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

noraml eye and an eye with diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels clustered within your retina. This leads to swelling or fluid leakage and can result in vision loss and even blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy also raises the risk of retinal detachment and/or glaucoma.

Because the early stages of diabetic retinopathy show no symptoms, many don't realize they have it until the disease has progressed.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. To reduce your risk and protect your vision, schedule an eye exam with Waterford Lakes EyeCare today.


What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

diabetic-retinopothy-oct-scan

As mentioned above, the early phase of diabetic retinopathy typically shows no symptoms. This is why it's important to have routine eye exams (all the more so if you have diabetes), as your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy in its earlier stages before symptoms become apparent.

Symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Double vision
  • Near vision problems
  • Seeing dark spots (scotomas)
  • Difficulty seeing at night

What are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Retinopathy (early stage):
This occurs when small bulges–or microaneurysms–form in blood vessels and can leak fluid into the retina.

Proliferative Retinopathy (later phase):
This refers to abnormal vessel growth and leakage in the retina. This triggers a variety of vision problems such as blurriness, reduced field of vision, and even blindness.

If you have diabetes, Waterford Lakes EyeCare in Orlando offers diagnostic tests and treatment options to help preserve your vision. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome.

Diabetic-Retinopathy-Bllod-sugar-level-checker


How Optometrists Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Medical history

    Your optometrist will ask about your medical history, including diabetes, as well as your family history of eye conditions.

  • Dilated pupil exam

    Your optometrist will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils so they can see inside the eye and detect any issues.

  • Fluorescein angiography

    This eye test uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid.

  • Optical coherence tomography

    This imaging method shows a cross-section of the retina and can indicate whether vessels are leaking fluid into the retina.


How to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy

senior man with diabetic retinopathy

Treatment begins with managing blood sugar levels and diabetes. This means eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking whatever diabetes medication has been prescribed.

Other treatments will depend on the stage or severity of the disease. If caught early, only blood sugar management may be necessary.

However, if you're in a more advanced stage of the diseases, treatment options may include:
  • Eye medications. Steroid and Anti-VEGF treatments can stop inflammation and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Laser surgery. Reduces the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels and swelling in the retina.
  • Vitrectomy. If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may need an eye surgery called vitrectomy. This procedure removes scar tissue, blood or fluid, and some of the vitreous gel so light rays can better focus on the retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

What are the major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

As the name suggests, diabetes is the main risk factor for developing diabetic retinopathy. Be mindful of your family history of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get an annual eye exam to detect potential problems early.

Other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also risk factors. Moreover, those of African or Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

There are a number of ways to preserve your vision and reduce the risk of vision and eye damage due to diabetic retinopathy.

  • Visit your eye doctor for annual eye exams.
  • Control your blood sugar levels.
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Quit smoking.

The best thing you can do right now is to schedule your eye exam with Waterford Lakes EyeCare in Orlando to ensure that everything is in check.

Does diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness among work-aged adults. It affects one in three people with diabetes and often goes unnoticed at first. Diagnosing and treating the condition early on can prevent severe vision loss.

Patient Reviews
4.7
285 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 30, 2024
Wonderful office staff along with skilled and professional optometrist. A winning combination for al... l your eye care needs!
- Nov. 28, 2024
Been going to Dr. Nair for over 20 years. The office is great.
- Nov. 24, 2024
Exceptional job by the staff as always..
- Nov. 09, 2024
Easily the best eye doctor in Orlando and one of the top in the country. Staff is amazing
- Oct. 20, 2024
Very attentive to my needs!
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr. Nair and his team are always very professional and helpful, won’t go anywhere else!
- Oct. 08, 2024
I had a little mishap and scratched my eye, which turned red and was quite uncomfortable. I called t... he doctor’s office the day before the hurricane, and while there were no appointments available, the receptionist kindly offered to check if they could fit me in. After a brief hold, she was able to get me an appointment in just 30 minutes! I was so grateful for their quick response. The doctor provided excellent care and ensured my eye was okay, and I left with the right medicine. It was a wonderful experience with great customer service!
- Oct. 07, 2024
It was a wonderful experience! Staff is professional and friendly!
- Oct. 04, 2024
Dr Vijay Nair and the team always care for the patients. I strongly recommend to everyone
- Oct. 04, 2024
Very Friendly and helpful staff. Christian music gave a very nice atmosphere.
- Sep. 29, 2024
just the nicest staff you have the honor of interacting with
- Sep. 26, 2024
I have been using Waterford Lakes Eyecare and Dr Nair for eyecare services and glasses for years. ... They are the best around and I highly recommend for good service, options, and care.
- Sep. 15, 2024
Fast in and out. Very friendly and professional Dr. and staff.
- Sep. 11, 2024
Wonderful staff and amazing Dr.
- Sep. 10, 2024
Nice and professional treatment. Dr. Nair is a top notch
- Aug. 31, 2024
Great staff, very friendly and gave constructive criticism about the frames I was trying to pick. My... eye exam was thorough. I will definitely be returning! thank you!
- Aug. 22, 2024
I do recommend this practice 100%. Great service from everyone and they always do it right the first... time.
- Aug. 08, 2024
I have been a patient at this clinic for almost 10 years. I currently live on the opposite side of t... own and am always willing to make the drive just simply because of the quality care I receive at this clinic. The doctor is incredible, patient, kind and takes his time with each of his patients. The staff is so Sweet and always willing to help Accommodate your needs.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Everyone is very nice and the exams are thorough. Also took my 14 yo son and they made it very easy ... for him.
- Jul. 15, 2024
They are very professional, and kind. Very nice selection of glasses/sunglasses. Pleasurable atmosp... here. The little wooden hearts with scriptures are my favorite! I would recommend. 10/10

View All 285 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Orlando

Our optometry practice in Orlando

Photograph of Vijay Nair
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(407) 382-6011