Diabetes can cause a number of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina), cataracts (clouding of the lens), and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). These conditions are considered high-risk for diabetics and can lead to vision loss or blindness, if not treated in a timely manner.
If you have diabetes, an important thing to do is to see a diabetic eye doctor regularly. It is recommended that diabetics see their eye doctor at least once a year because of the nature of the disease and its effect on the nerves and blood vessels in the eye. As a diabetic, you can still stay on top of your eye health.
Here are 5 important considerations when you are choosing a diabetic eye doctor.
#1 BoardCertification
Board certification communicates many things about an eye doctor. It says the doctor has completed the necessary training and education needed to become qualified to provide quality eye care. It means they have also been thoroughly tested on their knowledge and clinical skills and have passed a rigorous exam administered by a national Board of Ophthalmology. Board-certified eye doctors also stay up-to-date on medical advancements in their field through continuing education requirements from the board.
#2 Offers Comprehensive Eye Exams
The diabetic eye doctor should be able to offer a comprehensive exam that tests for all aspects of your vision and eye health. This includes testing for glaucoma, cataracts, and other potential problems associated with diabetes.
#3 Has the Latest Treatments
They should also be knowledgeable about the latest treatments and management strategies for diabetes-related vision problems. This includes new medications, surgical techniques, and other treatments that can help improve a patient’s vision and quality of life. By staying up to date on the latest advancements in diabetes care, an ophthalmologist can ensure that their patients receive the best possible treatments available.
#4 Has Great Bedside Manner
It is important to find a diabetic eye doctor who you feel comfortable communicating with openly about your condition and any concerns you have about your vision or eyesight in general. The last thing you want as a patient is to feel intimidated or judged for your condition and lifestyle choices when what you need is a compassionate doctorwith a gentle manner of approach.
#5 Offers Comprehensive Care
Diabetic patients need comprehensive vision care, which includes optical care, or ensuring your eyeglass prescription is up-to-date, comfortable, and complements your face, and that you have the devices you need to help with poor vision, which is a common issue among diabetics.
Diabetic Eye Doctor in Washington, MO
At Advanced Sight Center, we have board-certified ophthalmologists and board-certified optometrists who can provide for all your eye health and vision needs, from state-of-the-art exams to cutting-edge eye surgery. Our team is highly experienced in treating and assisting patients with eye and vision problems due to diabetes. We also stay on top of advances being made in the field of ophthalmology to better serve our patients.
We believe every patient deserves respect and compassion. We communicate clearly with our patients to ensure everything is transparent and easy to understand. To schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, call our eye center today at (636) 239-1650, or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to serving you!
