Diabetic Eye Care in Kansas City and St. Joseph
Looking for diabetic eye doctors in Kansas City, MO? The team at Wiles Eye Center delivers the highest quality diabetic eye care. They provide customized diabetic eye care by compassionate, experienced eye care professionals. Equipped with some of the most sophisticated technologies available, Wiles Eye Center gives diabetic retinopathy patients the personalized care and superior results they desire.
Understanding the Importance of Diabetic Eye Care
People with diabetes, especially those that have had the disease for a long time, are at a high risk of developing complications that affect the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the retina, or the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, which is responsible for capturing fine detail. Abnormally high blood sugar levels can damage the body’s blood vessels, including those tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. In cases of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels can leak blood and other fluids, causing the retina to swell and form deposits. New, abnormal blood vessels may also develop, causing additional swelling and scar tissue. Complications from untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness or vision loss. While diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, it can often be treated effectively if detected and diagnosed in its early stages.
Proliferative versus Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
During the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, the small blood vessels in the retina can leak fluid and blood. The leakage can cause swelling in the retina, particularly the central region of the retina called the macula (diabetic macular edema). The swelling can make it challenging to read, drive or recognize faces.
Left untreated, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy can advance into proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, the circulation to the retina and macula is so poor that it prompts the development of new, abnormal blood vessels that leak blood and fluid. Scar tissue can also form on the surface of the retina. It is possible for the scar tissue to tug on the retina, gradually peeling it away from its normal position at the back wall of the eye (a problem called retinal detachment). This complication requires immediate medical attention.
Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis at Wiles Eye Center
The talented eye care professionals at Wiles Eye Center understand the importance of early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. More than 95 percent of patients with early stages of diabetic retinopathy can benefit by properly managing diabetes through healthy diet and exercise regimes. The team at Wiles Eye Center encourages patients to have their eyes examined as soon as they find out they have diabetes, and then yearly.
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, in which the pupils are dilated to provide a clearer view inside the eye. During the exam, our ophthalmologists look for signs including poor circulation, abnormal blood vessel growth, scar tissue and swelling. Additional tests such as optical coherence tomography may be performed to capture detailed images of the retina and confirm whether fluid is leaking. Another test called fluorescein angiography may also be used. During the test, a special dye is injected into the arm and travels through the blood vessels into the retina. This can highlight blood vessels that are leaking, closed or otherwise damaged.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy be Treated?
Yes. When sight-threatening changes are detected, we can treat diabetic retinopathy in a few different ways.
For example, we often perform laser treatment to treat diabetic retinopathy. Laser energy is used to seal off and shrink the leaking blood vessels as well as reduce swelling and decrease the overall number of blood vessels in the retina. Although laser therapy is very effective at maintaining vision, it cannot always restore vision that has already been lost.
We can also use anti-VEGF drugs to stop the development of abnormal blood vessels. These drugs inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor, a body chemical that triggers the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Anti-VEGF drugs can be injected directly into the eye during an in-office treatment. A new anti-VEGF medication called Avastin has reversed retinopathy and restored sight in many diabetic patients.
In severe cases of bleeding caused by retinopathy, a procedure called vitrectomy may be required. During vitrectomy, the vitreous — a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye — is completely removed, along with scar tissue, blood and fluid from the leaking blood vessels. A laser may be used at the same time to seal off the blood vessels. Then, a gas bubble or silicone oil is placed in the eye to help the retina heal in its normal position along the back of the eye. Gas bubbles dissolve on their own over time, but silicone oils must be removed through an additional procedure.
Read more about Diabetic Retinopathy
Can Vision Loss from Diabetic Retinopathy be Prevented?
Yes, vision loss and potential blindness can be prevented if diabetic retinopathy is detected and treated early, and diabetes is kept under control. By keeping blood glucose levels within the normal range, diabetic eye care patients can minimize the risk of vision loss. The specialists at Wiles Eye Center strongly encourage patients to take action even before they notice any eye problems.
The team at Wiles Eye Center understands how diabetes can lead to vision loss and strives to maintain crystal-clear sight for all of their patients. In most cases, treatment for diabetic retinopathy is covered by insurance. To make an appointment at Wiles Eye Center, please use our online appointment form.
Diabetic Eye Disease FAQs
How common is diabetic eye disease?
According to the National Eye Institute, more than two in five Americans with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, the best way to reduce the risk of getting diabetic eye disease is to keep your diabetes and general health under control.
Who is at the highest risk of getting diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease can affect anyone with any kind of diabetes. Individuals most likely to get diabetic eye disease are those who have had diabetes for a long time (i.e., 10 years). Uncontrolled blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels also increase the risk of getting diabetic eye disease.
How will I know if I have diabetic eye disease?
The early stages of diabetic eye disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms, and your eyes may seem fine. As diabetic eye disease advances, you may notice changes such as blurry vision, poor night vision or dark spots or streaks that appear to float around in your visual field. In the most serious cases of diabetic eye disease, empty areas may appear in your visual field.
If you have diabetes and experience any kind of visual impairment, promptly book an evaluation with one of the eye doctors at Wiles Eye Center so we can determine the cause of the problem.
Can women with gestational diabetes get diabetic eye disease?
Yes, women with diabetes who get pregnant and women who develop diabetes while pregnant can get diabetic eye disease.
If you have diabetes and get pregnant, you should have an eye exam during your first trimester.
How safe is laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy?
Laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy is safe and effective when performed by a doctor with the proper training. However, it is not suitable for every patient with diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the specific circumstances, some patients may see better results with anti-VEGF drugs or vitrectomy.
Do anti-VEGF drug injections hurt?
No, injections of anti-VEGF drugs are completely safe and do not cause pain. Anesthetic is used to desensitize the eye so you should not feel anything more than mild pressure during the injections.
If you experience any side effects after the injections, such as burning or sensitivity, let one of our doctors know.
Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?
Yes, if left undetected and untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Is there a link between diabetes and other eye conditions?
Yes. Having diabetes increases the chances of getting early onset cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes blurry or hazy vision and other symptoms.
Another potential problem for people with diabetes is open-angle glaucoma, a disease in which the fluid in the eye cannot drain fast enough and the pressure inside the eye rises. The increase in intraocular pressure can eventually damage the optic nerve that transmits information to the brain, causing permanent vision loss.
Having regular eye exams with a knowledgeable eye doctor offers the best chances at detecting signs of these problems early, when they can be more easily managed.
At Wiles Eye Center, all patients are treated with the highest respect and attentiveness. This approach allows the practice’s eye doctors – Stephen Wiles, MD, Erin Gilliland, MD, and Rachel Tischinski, OD – to deliver highly-rewarding treatment results for all of their diabetic eye care, glaucoma and cataract patients in Kansas City, MO. In addition, our surgeons specialize in laser eye surgery and are regarded as leading providers of diabetic eye care in Kansas City. Schedule your eye exam today by calling 816-455-2020 or request an eye exam appointment online.