Glaucoma and Diabetic Treatments
Glaucoma
Description:
Glaucoma occurs when fluid on the inside of the eye doesn’t drain properly, and is common in patients with diabetes. It is possible that there are no visible symptoms of glaucoma until the problem has become very advanced and there is already significant loss of vision. It is recommended that patients with a risk of glaucoma have regular screenings.
Symptoms:
Gradual vision loss, tunnel vision, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, “halos” around light sources, redness of the eye
Treatment:
The most common methods of treatment for glaucoma are medication to either increase drainage or decrease production of fluids, though in more severe forms, surgery may be needed. Your Henry Eye Clinic eye specialist may prescribe medicated eye drops or oral medications to reduce eye pressure, instead of more invasive procedures.
Diabetic Treatments
Description:
Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to many eye diseases including glaucoma, retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema. Retinopathy is a swelling in the retina resulting in irreversible loss of vision. Diabetic Macular Edema is caused by blood vessel leakage in the macular and leads to swelling of the retina.
Treatment and Prevention:
Your Henry Eye Clinic eye specialist may recommend laser photo coagulation or ocular injection to stabilize, or even reverse, damage. Patients with diabetes should have annual dilated eye exams, and are encouraged to monitor their blood sugar and maintain regular appointment with their primary physician.
Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Call our office at 479.442.5227 or fill out a contact form here.