A dilated eye exam, using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope, allows the physician to see the inside of the eye and determine if diabetic retinopathy is present. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated in several ways including laser surgery, cryotherapy, retinal repair, and vitrectomy. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against loss of vision. It is essential that the diabetic give careful attention to diet, medications, maintain blood sugar levels, avoid smoking, and watch their blood pressure. With careful monitoring an ophthalmologist can begin treatment before sight is affected.
Glasses are the most common solution and least expensive method for correcting vision.
Contact lenses are an option for correcting visual defects in some patients. Refractive eye surgery procedures change the shape of your cornea to help the eye focus better and may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. You may be a candidate for refractive surgery if your eyes are healthy and your eyeglass prescription is stable. In some cases it may be necessary for the patient to use glasses after surgery. Phacoemulsification is a method of extracapsular extraction using a high frequency ultrasound device to fragment the lens into small particles which are then aspirated.