Diabetic Eye Exams in the Des Moines Metro Area

Half of the people with diabetic retinopathy will develop diabetic macular edema (or DME). Diabetic macular edema occurs when fluid from damaged blood vessels leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the inner eye.

The primary visual symptom is wavy or blurred central vision. Colors may also appear washed out or dull. Treatments are available! Be sure to have regular optometrist appointments to keep DME at bay.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and compromise vision. People with diabetes are more likely to develop glaucoma than those without diabetes.

Glaucoma is often caused by high pressure inside the eye (or intraocular pressure). However, this isn’t true for every type of glaucoma. Glaucoma symptoms vary; sometimes there are no symptoms during onset, but headaches, eye pain, blurred vision, watery or red eyes, halos, vision loss may occur.

Treatments for glaucoma include eye drops, laser eye surgeries, medications, or a combination of these. Contact your optometrist to discover the ideal treatment for you.

Cataracts are an eye condition associated with aging but have been known to occur earlier in those with diabetes. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, a cataract has formed.

The American Optometric Association defines cataracts symptoms as follows:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Reduced intensity of colors
• Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night
• Increased difficulty seeing at night
• Change in the eye’s refractive error, or eyeglass prescription

Thanks to modern medicine, cataracts are a very treatable condition. Corrective lenses can sometimes help with mild cataracts, and cataract surgery is very safe and effective.