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Diabetic Eye Care

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DIABETES CAN AFFECT YOUR EYESIGHT

Diabetes affects the entire body, including the eyes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include time since diagnosis, control of blood sugar, and family history. In our comprehensive eye exams, Dr. Tarr has a direct view of your blood vessels and can detect signs of diabetes during your exam.

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REGULAR DIABETIC EYE EXAMS LOWER RISK FACTORS

Our diabetic patients will receive a special eye exam at least once a year that focuses on eye disease related to diabetes. During your diabetic eye examination, Dr. Tarr will focus on the health of your retina and the integrity of the blood vessels inside your eyes. At Tarr Eye & Vision Center, we use advanced diagnostic technology to help us detect eye diseases before they can cause vision loss or damage. Through digital imaging, we can detect the slightest changes in your retinal health and recommend treatment right away. Dr. Tarr will conduct a few tests to determine your eye health, including:

  • Pupil Dilation for a clear view of your inner eye structures such as your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
  • Retinal Photography to detect damaged blood vessels in your eyes.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (similar to a MRI) to detect leaking fluid.
  • Glaucoma Test to detect glaucoma in the early stages and recommend treatment.

COMMON DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

Dr. Tarr has a direct view of your blood vessels and can detect early damage to those vessels and the nerve layer in the back of your eye. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy. These are the most common sight threatening diabetic eye concerns.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the effects of high blood sugar on the blood vessels in the retina. In the beginning, diabetic retinopathy might show few or no symptoms. However, if these blood vessels begin to leak into the retina, blurred vision or even blindness can occur. Waiting to deal with these leaky vessels is a lot like having a water leak on the floor of your home. The longer the fluid stays there the more irreversible damage is done. In fact, this is the most common cause of blindness due to diabetes.

Diabetic macular edema can be caused if diabetic retinopathy is left untreated. With diabetic macular edema, the fluid from the blood vessels can also start to leak into the macula (the central part of the retina), which allows you to read and recognize facial features. Without treatment, diabetic macular edema can lead to blindness.

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Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness for Americans age 25 to 65.

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Diabetic Eye Care Resources

from the National Eye Institute

Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy by visiting https://www.nei.nih.gov/diabetes.

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Testimonials

“I’m a 60yr old Air Force veteran that’s experienced my eye Docs. Dr. Tarr is by far the best! Always a professional!”
Air Force Colonel(R) Flyer - Craig K.
“I began as a patient when I worked closer to Dr. Tarr’s office. I now drive 45 minutes and have no desire to change doctors. The visit is worth the drive. Dr. Tarr is always kind and completes a thorough exam before providing me with a diagnosis. Wonderful!”
Amber B.
“Grateful! Dr Tarr worked diligently to get my vision back to normal as possible. I have gone through chemo treatments and it has affected the dryness in my eyes. He has got it where I can see clearly and they are not as dry and don’t feel like sandpaper.”
Shelly B.
“I came to Dr. Tarr four years ago. Even though I had a severe corneal scar, he was able to fit me with contact lenses. Dr. Tarr has been able to do in the last four years what other eye specialists have not been able to do for the last 20 years! I also have very dry eyes, and he has used a special procedure on my tear ducts which has helped the dryness a lot. He has helped me more than any other eye doctor I’ve gone to!”
Bonie H.
“Dear Dr. Tarr & Staff, I just wanted to send you a quick note of ‘Thanks’ for the wonderful experience we had at your office. Everyone was so kind and friendly and very patient with my daughter. She really enjoyed the experience. She even said she wanted to see the eye doctor every week! She usually is not that happy with doctors. Thank you again, to all of you!”
Ann & Natalie G.
“I became a patient of Dr. Tarr as soon as he began his practice. He has always been very professional as well as his staff. I was diagnosed with glaucoma and under Dr. Tarr’s competent care it is fully under control. I appreciate having such a great optometrist that I can trust to care for my needs.”
Marsha S.
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Source Modern Optometry Magazine.