DME is a severe eye condition that can lead to vision loss or blindness in individuals with diabetes.
PDR is a severe stage of diabetic retinopathy characterized by the growth of new blood vessels on the retina.
Patients can be at risk for developing glaucoma if they have a high-risk factor like diabetes. We will test the fluid pressure in your eye to make sure glaucoma isn’t present.
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When you come in for a diabetic eye exam in Mechanicsville you will meet our doctor and team to discuss how we can help you.
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We will test you for diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and Glaucoma. All of these involve pupil dilation.
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Once we have performed the diabetic eye exam in Mechanicsville, we can prescribe remedies to alleviate any symptoms. This can include laser treatment, medical treatment, and communication with your physician treating the diabetes.
Use our interactive tool to discover personalized treatment options based on your unique needs.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Alan Chandler MD
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye complication that results from diabetes. Damage causes this condition to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a severe stage of diabetic retinopathy characterized by the growth of new blood vessels on the retina. The new vessels are delicate and prone to bleeding into the eye’s gel-like substance called vitreous.
Severe vision loss, retinal detachment, and blindness may result from this. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels damage the retinal blood vessels, leading to PDR. It’s the most frequent issue that arises from diabetes. We can treat you for this disease and alleviate most or all of your symptoms.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a severe eye condition where tiny bulges, called microaneurysms, form in the eye’s blood vessels, leaking fluid into the retina. The fluid can cause swelling in a part of the retina called the macula. The swelling in the macula can lead to vision loss or blindness in individuals with diabetes.
Glaucoma patients experience increased eye fluid pressure, leading to optic nerve damage. Without treatment, peripheral vision in the eye gradually decreases, leading to a limited field of vision. Individuals diagnosed with Glaucoma may suffer from tunnel vision, headaches, eye pain or pressure, nausea, vomiting, and red eyes.
Once we have established if any eye health risks exist in the patient, then we can make a plan to correct them. For instance, if it is determined that you might be a candidate for any of these diabetic eye treatments, we will find you a solution that best fits your unique eye needs.
At Chandler Eye Care Specialists, your eye doctor will use eye drops to dilate your pupils during the exam to detect diabetic retinopathy. Because the eye drops will impair your vision for 5 to 6 hours total, it’s best to have someone else drive you home from the appointment. You might also want to bring a pair of sunglasses with you to protect your eyes afterwards.
Besides arranging a ride home after a diabetic eye exam in Mechanicsville, we recommend patients with dilated pupils stay out of the sun for 5 to 6 hours. This protects the eyes from sun damage. We also advise patients to wear sunglasses for the ride home, too.
