Preserve Your Vision With Vision Central

Diabetic Retinopathy in Glenview

Preserve Your Vision With Vision Central

(847) 904-2150

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 Vision Central 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, Vision Central in Glenview 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 Vision Central in Glenview 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
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155 Reviews
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- Oct. 13, 2024
Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable and friendly. The technician who assisted was professional, kind and e... fficient. This practice has embraced the latest technology to assess and treat their patients. Great gem to have in the neighborhood!
- Sep. 25, 2024
It is a kind and easy to understand explanation.
- Jul. 17, 2024
Both doctors we've seen have been great and everyone is so nice at the office. We've had a great exp... erience in the 2 years going here.
- Jul. 03, 2024
How much does a hospital examination cost?
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr Kim was very honest with me about feeling like I had the wrong prescription for my glasses. I fel... t like she was experienced clinically but also trust worthy. Most of her office staff was amazing and I really like feeling like I can go to them for help if I have issues to be addressed with billing, glasses, medical records, etc. Some of glasses selection seems a bit on the higher end in price (unsurprising for glenview) but they had more affordable options too.
- Feb. 05, 2024
It's an excellent optometrist place. Staff was polite and efficient. Quick but good eye exam and goo... d prices with insurance (MetLife). Glasses took a few days but great work. Overall great place and I can recommend.
- Jan. 22, 2024
The office staff is always accommodating. Dr. Mehta is very thorough & informative. There is plenty ... of parking available. We recommend this practice & we are so glad we found this office.
- Jan. 01, 2024
My experience at Vision Central was great and I will highly recommend them
- Nov. 23, 2023
Great experience from beginning to end. Knowledgeable staff...optician, Ken with years of experienc... e and thorough exam by Dr Mehta. Going back to pick a new frame from their large display of choices.
- Oct. 19, 2023
The staff at Vision Central are very knowledgeable nd super nice.
- Aug. 20, 2023
First time here and I was welcomed as me and my son walked in, staff was friendly. I recommend Visio... n Central
- Aug. 11, 2023
Good place
- Aug. 07, 2023
They are nice guys and professional
- Jul. 30, 2023
Very nice store, everyone was very professional and friendly.
- Jul. 11, 2023
The staff and Maria were extremely helpful in choosing my polarized glasses and contact lenses. The ... Doctor listened to my concerns regarding my vision. I highly recommend Vision Central!
- Jul. 06, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Kim for two years now and she is the best!
- Jun. 02, 2023
Dr. Kim is so amazing and the rest of the staff here are very kind and helpful. Super happy with my ... new glasses <3
- Apr. 10, 2023
Vison Central in Glenview is great!!! Starting with Dr.Mehta, she is very knowledgeable, attentive a... nd really cares for her patients. The staff is professional, friendly and caring. Everyone was extremely helpful and kind during my visit. They have a good selection of frames and reasonable prices. I would definitely recommend others to go there.
- Mar. 19, 2023
I felt so welcome here. They answered all my question. The doctor was so friendly . All the staff we... re friendly. I recommend coming here .
- Jan. 05, 2023
Dr. Mehta is one of the best ophthalmologists

View All 155 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Glenview

Our optometry practice in Glenview

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Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
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blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(847) 904-2150