Diabetic Retinopathy
Ophthalmology located in San Francisco, CA
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H2 Diabetic Retinopathy Services Offered In San Francisco, CA
If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of diabetic retinopathy, a common eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss when left untreated. Dr. Bart offers expert detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, using advanced imaging and individualized treatment plans to prevent vision loss and preserve retinal health. Call the office to schedule a diabetic eye exam, or use the online booking feature today.
Diabetes can lead to diabetic eye disease, which may result in vision loss or even blindness. Fortunately, approximately 90% of diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Because of the possible serious consequences, it is essential for people with diabetes to have a yearly dilated eye exam with a board-certified ophthalmologist. These annual exams are critical even before any vision changes occur. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be. At the Bart Eye Center, we are dedicated to helping patients with diabetes preserve their sight.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively, causing high blood sugar (glucose) levels. The risk of diabetic eye disease increases with prolonged high blood sugar levels and the length of time one has diabetes.
Eat fresh, healthy foods and exercise regularly. Diabetic eye disease is a term for several eye disorders that can relate to diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
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What is diabetic retinopathy?
Chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, which is the nerve tissue in the back of the eye that collects light for vision. Diabetic retinopathy is when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off. When fluid leaks out of the vessels, it sometimes collects in the retina. Swelling of the retina in the center of vision is called macular edema. Macular edema is the most common reason people with diabetes lose their vision. When blood vessels in the retina close off, nutrients may no longer reach parts of the retina, stimulating abnormal new blood vessels to grow on the surface of the retina. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These fragile vessels are not able to nourish the retina and instead can cause severe bleeding and scarring.
What are symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
You can have diabetic retinopathy and not know it. This is because it often has no symptoms in its early stages. As diabetic retinopathy gets worse, you may notice such symptoms as:
• Increased spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurry vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Poor night vision
• Faded or washed out colors
• Vision loss
What are treatments for diabetic retinopathy?
A medication, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or steroid, may be injected in the eye. Other treatments include laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy surgery.
Diabetes and cataracts
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts than other adults, and they get them at a younger age. Cataracts cause your natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision. Over time, you may need cataract surgery to improve your vision.
Diabetes and glaucoma
Having diabetes doubles your likelihood of getting glaucoma, a condition that can cause damage to your eye's optic nerve and lead to irreversible loss of vision. With regular eye exams, glaucoma is caught early, and treatment prevents or slows glaucoma damage.
What other eye problems are related to diabetes?
Diabetes can cause vision problems even if you do not have a specific form of diabetic eye disease. These can include:
• Blurry vision: High blood sugar levels can cause the natural lens in your eye to swell and can thereby cause blurry vision.
• Double vision: The nerves that move the eyes and help them work together can be damaged by diabetes, leading to double vision.
At the Bart Eye Center we have the experience and expertise to give diabetic patients their best vision and healthiest eyes. Contact us to arrange a diabetic consultation or use the online scheduler to request an appointment today.
TESTIMONIALS
I LOVE Dr. Bart and her service!!! She checks me thoroughly for diabetic retinopathy and explains all to me. She is very caring and competent. I would recommend her to anyone for anything concerning the eyes.
Marlyn C.
The best eye surgeon. I've had lasers done because I'm diabetic. Had two cataract surgery and can see much clearer than before. She's caring, sweet and kind.
Darlene C.
Exceptional!
My visit to Dr. Barts was exceptional. Her professionalism, direct communication, and personal attention were appreciated. I look forward to many more appointments.
Juliet A.
DR. BART has provided care for my eyes for a number of years and i have always been well advised and cared for. For my one emergency, she made time to see me within hours of my early morning call.
Jerry D.
Dr. Bart was exceptionally professional and thorough. She was very interested and thoughtful about my vision health, and answered all my questions. I have great confidence in trusting her with my vision health care.
Susan T.
Excellent, timely and engaging practice. Dr. Bart is direct, down to earth, and inspires trust. I particularly like the way that she takes the time to answer questions thoroughly and candidly. Her staff and colleagues are also very helpful. Appointments with Dr. Bart are always worthwhile.
Paula C.