If you have vision problems related to diabetes, your eye doctor may recommend diabetic eye surgery OKC. There are various conditions in the group of “diabetic eye diseases,” including:
- Cataracts. People with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely to get cataracts. Development may also start at a younger age than average.
- Glaucoma. If someone has diabetes, their chance of developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is almost doubled.
- Diabetic retinopathy. This is the most common diabetic eye disease. It affects approximately 5.3 million Americans over 18.
These issues may be resolved through medications, lifestyle changes, surgery, or a combination of treatments.
How to Prepare for Your Laser Treatment or Surgery
Before an eye surgery Oklahoma for any of these diabetic eye diseases, your surgeon will advise you on the specifics of your preparation. While these will vary based on the condition and the procedure, there are still a few preparation tips that they all have in common:
- Meet with your eye doctor before surgery. As a medical expert, your doctor will tell you what to expect on the day of the procedure. They will also ensure that you have realistic expectations for the results of your treatment.
- Listen to your doctor’s advice. If your doctor recommends staying away from bright lights or not eating before the procedure, make sure that you do so. All recommendations are made to keep you safe and your vision at its best.
- Have a post-procedure plan. You should not drive yourself home afterward, so think about transportation. Depending on your job, you may need to take time off. Additionally, consider having someone stay with you after the procedure.
As the most common diabetic eye disease, you may be interested in learning more about diabetic retinopathy and the diabetic eye surgery OKC options that are specifically for it.
What to Know About Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retinas. This causes fluids to leak into the retina, further obstructing blood flow. Retinopathy may cause severe vision loss and potentially lead to blindness. It can also lead to diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
There are two major types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative. The capillaries in the back of the eye balloon up and form pouches. There are mild, moderate, and severe stages, spending on how many blood vessels become blocked.
- Proliferative. The highly damaged blood vessels close off, so new vessels grow in the retina. These vessels are weak; as such, they leak blood and block vision (vitreous hemorrhage). They can also cause scar tissue growth (often leading to retina distortion or retinal detachment).
Because retinopathy can significantly impact your eye health, it is essential to treat it as soon as possible.
How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?
Prevention
Your retina can be severely damaged before any noticeable vision changes occur. As such, to take care of your long-term eye health, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. An annual visit with your doctor will allow them to detect any signs of retinopathy and, if present, start creating your ideal treatment plan.
Laser Eye Surgery Oklahoma
If you do have retinopathy, your eye doctor may recommend laser therapy. Instead of involving a surgical procedure on your eyes, these treatments involve using bright and highly focused laser lights. These are precisely and strategically used on parts of your retina to reduce issues. Injections may also be utilized to reduce swelling in the macula.
Diabetic Eye Surgery OKC
Depending on the extent of your retinopathy, your eye doctor may recommend another type of diabetic eye surgery Oklahoma. For example, if a vitreous hemorrhage caused blood to settle in the center of your eye, laser treatments may be unable to reach the damaged areas. In this case, a vitrectomy may be the preferred procedure.
Treating Diabetic Eye Disease with BVA
At BVA, our leading doctors and surgeons specialize in treating various conditions, including those commonly affecting individuals with diabetes. To learn more about our diabetic eye surgery OKC procedures or to visit one of our locations across the Oklahoma City Metro, please contact us. We are ready to help you achieve better vision.