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Diabetic Eye Disease Month: Understanding Advanced Treatment for Diabetic Vision Loss
Have you ever wondered how diabetes can affect your eyesight—or what you can do to protect it?
Every November, Diabetic Eye Disease Month reminds us of a vital truth: maintaining healthy vision starts with understanding how diabetes impacts the eyes and taking action early.
At DLV Vision, with convenient locations in Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Newbury Rd., and Encino, our ophthalmologists are dedicated to helping individuals living with diabetes protect and restore their vision through advanced retina services and vision correction options.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels—it can cause serious, sometimes permanent, damage to your eyes. The most common diabetes-related eye conditions include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens that can develop earlier in people with diabetes.
- Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve and leads to gradual vision loss.
Left untreated, these conditions can result in irreversible vision loss—but the good news is, with regular exams and early treatment, vision can often be preserved.
How Does Diabetes Affect Vision?
When blood sugar levels remain high, they can weaken or damage tiny retinal blood vessels. Over time, this leads to:
- Fluid leaks or swelling in the retina
- Abnormal blood vessel growth
- Scar tissue formation that pulls on the retina
- Blurred or distorted visionReduced oxygen flow to the eye
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Seeing floaters or dark spots
- Poor night vision
- Sudden vision loss
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an eye exam immediately. DLV Vision provides comprehensive diabetic eye screenings across Ventura County and the greater Los Angeles area.
Can Diabetic Eye Disease Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, proactive care can dramatically reduce your risk. Here are five essential habits to protect your eyes:
- Control blood sugar levels – Keep your glucose stable to minimize retinal damage.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol – Both play a major role in eye health.
- Get annual dilated eye exams – Early detection is key to preventing blindness.
- Stop smoking – Smoking increases your risk for diabetic complications.
- Follow your doctor’s care plan – Consistency keeps both your body and vision healthy.
At DLV Vision, our specialists use advanced imaging to detect subtle retinal changes long before symptoms appear—helping protect your sight for years to come.
How Often Should People with Diabetes Get Eye Exams?
The American Diabetes Association recommends:
- Every year: Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should schedule a comprehensive, dilated eye exam.
- Every 3–6 months: For those with signs of diabetic retinopathy.
- Before and during pregnancy: Women with diabetes should be examined before conception and in each trimester.
DLV Vision’s retina specialists ensure every exam includes thorough imaging and evaluation to catch even the earliest changes.
📍 We proudly serve residents of Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, and surrounding communities.
Common treatments include:
- Laser therapy or cryopexy: Seals small tears to prevent detachment
- Pneumatic retinopexy: A gas bubble reattaches the retina from inside the eye
- Scleral buckle or vitrectomy: Surgical procedures used for more complex cases
These treatments are typically done on an outpatient basis and can save vision when performed early.
Advanced Diabetic Eye Treatment at DLV Vision
At DLV Vision, we offer a full spectrum of advanced eye care services designed to protect and restore vision for patients living with diabetes. Our practice combines cutting-edge technology with the expertise of fellowship-trained ophthalmologists who specialize in retina care, glaucoma management, and cataract surgery—three key areas often affected by diabetes.
Comprehensive Retina Services
Our retina specialists diagnose and manage a wide range of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusions, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. We use the latest imaging and treatment techniques to preserve and improve your sight.
Our Retina Services Include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging that provides detailed cross-sections of the retina for early detection of swelling or damage.
- Fluorescein Angiography: A diagnostic test that maps blood flow in the retina to identify leaking or abnormal vessels.
- Laser Photocoagulation: A targeted laser treatment that seals leaking blood vessels and prevents further retinal damage.
- Anti-VEGF Therapy: Injections that reduce swelling and block abnormal blood vessel growth associated with diabetic retinopathy.
- Vitrectomy Surgery: A specialized procedure that removes scar tissue or blood inside the eye to restore clearer vision.
- Our retina team focuses on early detection, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to help protect your long-term vision.
Expert Glaucoma Management
People with diabetes are at higher risk for glaucoma—a condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. DLV Vision offers comprehensive glaucoma evaluations and modern treatment options to manage intraocular pressure and protect your optic nerve.
Our Glaucoma Care Includes:
- Advanced diagnostic testing for early detection
- Medication therapy
- Laser treatments to improve fluid drainage
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Ongoing monitoring to prevent vision loss
Our clinicians tailor every glaucoma treatment plan to the patient’s unique ocular health and risk factors.
Advanced Cataract Surgery for Diabetic Patients
Cataracts often form earlier and progress faster in patients with diabetes. At DLV Vision, our experienced cataract surgeons utilize advanced surgical techniques and premium lens implants to restore clarity and enhance vision quality.
Cataract Services Include:
- Comprehensive cataract evaluations
- Modern, small-incision cataract surgery
- Premium intraocular lens (IOL) options, including multifocal and toric lenses
- Customized surgical planning for diabetic eyes
Our goal is to improve your vision safely and effectively while reducing your dependence on glasses after surgery whenever possible.
A Patient-Centered Approach
Whether you require retina treatment, glaucoma management, cataract surgery, or a combination of services, DLV Vision provides coordinated, comprehensive care under one roof. Our focus is on detecting problems early, personalizing your treatment, and helping you maintain your best possible vision for years to come.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Zhang is outstanding! She explains very clearly what she finds during the exam. Likewise, answers to my questions. The staff at the reception counter are also very good at their duties. The efficency and friendliness of everyone at DLV ensures my return.
Don’t Forget to Use Your FSA Funds Before They Expire
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), now is the perfect time to use those benefits before the year ends. FSA funds can typically be used for:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Retina imaging and diagnostic testing
- Treatments for diabetic eye diseases
- Prescription eyewear and contact lenses
Most FSA benefits expire on December 31st, and unused funds do not carry over into the next year. Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste—invest it in something that truly matters: your eye health and clear vision.
Your vision is too important to wait. Schedule a consultation today or call DLV Vision to get your eyes examined by our experienced specialists.
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