Preserve Your Vision With Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo

Diabetic Retinopathy in Kokomo

Preserve Your Vision With Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo

(765) 455-0404

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 Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo 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, Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo in Kokomo 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 Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo in Kokomo 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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348 Reviews
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- Aug. 17, 2024
Dr Kerby is an excellent doctor and the staff is friendly.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Dr. Kerby and the staff were all great! Front desk was kind and patient and the girl helping me pick... glasses was great as well! I was in and out in just about 1 hour. I think that’s pretty good for the exam, and picking out glasses! I will definitely recommend!
- May. 22, 2024
Very friendly and professional staff! Worked to find glasses and lenses within my budget and answere... d questions concisely and politely. Clean and cozy office as well!
- Mar. 19, 2024
They got me in for an appointment very off quickly, when other eye dr. offices were scheduling out 3... -4 weeks. Having fast onset vision problems they quickly referred me over to eye surgeons. Thank you so much!
- Mar. 14, 2024
Dr. Kerby is such a great doctor! He is so easy to talk to; he listens, and I trust his decisions on... the best treatment for my vision. His knowledge and experience is evident in his patient care. I'm very happy with this team for vision needs. Thank you, Dr. Kerby and staff!
- Mar. 14, 2024
Life changing service & staff!
- Feb. 12, 2024
I was recommended by a family member and was not disappointed! The staff here are all so friendly an... d personable. They have a great knack for treating you like a friend while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Dr. Burkhart really took the time to explain things in a way that was easy to understand and made sure all concerns were addressed. Also, they had a huge selection of frames to choose from!
- Dec. 29, 2023
Preferred Eyecare is amazing! The doctors are always friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. The offi... ce staff are all so helpful and kind.
- Nov. 09, 2023
Our family loves this office! Unlike other doctors offices, they all greet you with a smile. Dr. Ker... by is amazing with us adults and our daughter who started seeing him at 3 months old!
- Nov. 01, 2023
Best eye Dr in town!!
- Sep. 06, 2023
From walking in to visit to exit everyone is great and friendly
- Aug. 25, 2023
Great Care and great people!
- Aug. 21, 2023
Great experience!
- Aug. 13, 2023
Dr Kerby and his staff are always courteous, caring and helpful. Dr Kerby thoroughly examines my ey... es and then explains what he finds. I'd highly recommend Preferred Eye Care!
- Aug. 08, 2023
Great doctor, my daughter has autism and he didn't get upset with her but instead tried to appeal to... her to get her attention for her exam.
- Jul. 27, 2023
I’m always treated kindly and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I’m always happy with... my experience with this office.
- Jul. 14, 2023
Great experience each time we go. Both my kiddos got what they needed. Very knowledgeable staff
- Jul. 08, 2023
Great service from caring professionals
- Apr. 04, 2023
Best Eye care! Thank you so much!
- Mar. 08, 2023
Very accurate on glasses, takes the time to get the prescription right.

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Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Kokomo

Our optometry practice in Kokomo

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blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(765) 455-0404