Diabetic Eye Exams in
Seal Beach

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye condition linked to diabetes. It occurs when high blood glucose levels damage your eyes’ blood vessels, causing them to bulge and leak.

The retina is the inner lining at the back of your eye. Its primary purpose is to read light focused through the lens, converting it to neural signals. These neural signals are then translated by the brain, interpreting the images you see.

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, the retina attempts to grow new (abnormal) blood vessels to compensate for fluid loss. These new vessels can break and create scar tissue, causing floaters in your vision.

At the beginning stage of diabetic retinopathy, there may be no symptoms or only temporary episodes of blurred vision. As retinal damage progresses, it can result in blindness.

The macula is the centermost area of your retina. Its primary function is to see objects in precise detail directly at the center of your vision.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. Damage to the small blood vessels in the retina can result in a fluid buildup under the macula. This buildup can result in vision loss.

DME is a manageable condition if caught early and treated on a routine basis.

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. As we grow older, our eyes’ lens becomes rigid and cloudy, preventing light from reaching the retina. Our patients with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age.

For more information about cataracts, visit our Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management page.