Diabetic Eye Disease FAQ

If you are in the Clarksville area, you may not yet have someone who can meet your optometry needs. If you are diabetic, it is important to have an eye doctor you can trust, because many people with diabetes end up suffering from diabetic eye disease. Your optometrist at Sites Vision Clinic will speak to you about any concerns you have.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

There are certain kinds of eye problems that often affect people who have diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These problems can lead to impaired vision or even blindness and can get steadily worse over time.

How Does Diabetes Affect Eyes?

The problems start when someone's blood glucose is too high. In the short term, the only effects might be blurred vision, which is caused by fluid levels changing in the eyes, leading to swelling. When that swelling persists for a long period of time, blood vessels in the back of the eyes become damaged. This can even happen during prediabetes.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

The retina is a membrane lining the back of the eye, sensing light and helping you make images. When blood vessels swell or bulge, they can damage the retina. Sometimes blood vessels close off, causing new ones to grow on the surface of the retina.

What Is Diabetic Macular Edema?

The macula is the part of the retina that helps identify faces and read. When diabetes leads to swelling in the macula, it can cause partial vision loss or blindness.

What Is Glaucoma?

If you have diabetes, your chance of developing glaucoma is twice that of the average person. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness and it is when the optic nerves are damaged, usually due to high pressure, which can be caused by diabetes.

What Are Cataracts?

High glucose levels can cause deposits to build up on your eyes, leading to cloudy vision.

Can These Eye Problems Be Avoided?

Sometimes these problems are unavoidable, but there are things you can do to try to prevent them. It is vital to be vigilant when managing your diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose and other vitals. Also, quit smoking if you have started, and get an eye exam every year where your eyes are dilated and the doctor examines your eyes thoroughly.

Call Today

Anyone in the Clarksville area can speak to an optometrist at Sites Vision Clinic if you have any more questions or want help understanding your diagnosis. Your eye doctor will provide a thorough exam and look for any signs that there are developing problems. Call to speak to a doctor of optometry today.

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Monday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Wednesday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Thursday

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Friday

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Monday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
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Sunday
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