Patients with diabetes require a special level of attention when it comes to eye health. The SJEA team is fully trained and equipped to help you maintain your vision despite diabetes.
Request an appointment for your diabetic eye exam.
SJEA OFFERS A HIGH STANDARD OF CARE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
We are committed to your eye health, which means we insist on gathering the most comprehensive data possible. We have invested heavily in state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic technology to provide us with a complete understanding of your ocular needs.
All of our diabetic eye exams include highly detailed testing with some of the best technology the eye care industry has to offer, including the Daytona Optos, the Cirrus 5000 OCT, and the Topcon Maestro OCT.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD PEOPLE WITH DIABETES HAVE EYE EXAMS?
Patients with diabetes need to see their Optometrist more often than the average person does. The American Optometric Association recommends people with diabetes have their eyes examined at least once a year, however, this is solely a baseline.
Your Optometrist is the best person to tell you how often you need an eye examination. Be sure to follow their recommended schedule closely.
Why Do People with Diabetes Need More Frequent Eye Exams?
Diabetes affects the blood vessels, which of course, affects the whole body. Blood glucose levels can have a significant impact on your vision, potentially even resulting in blindness if not properly addressed and monitored.
By seeing your Optometrist on a more regular basis, you are taking a proactive role in your own eye health. High-resolution imaging and intensive diagnostics offer detailed insight into the structure of your eyes, allowing your doctor to detect any signs of diabetic eye disease before it becomes too severe.
WHAT IS DIABETIC EYE DISEASE?
The term diabetic eye disease is somewhat of an umbrella term designed to cover any eye condition that could develop as a direct result of diabetes. Many of these conditions can also occur in patients who do not have diabetes, such as:
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
Diabetic eye disease also includes two conditions that are exclusive to patients with diabetes.
Diabetic Retinophaty
Years of fluctuating blood glucose levels can be incredibly harmful to the retina’s delicate blood vessels. As time goes on, these blood vessels can become so damaged that they start to leak blood and fluid into the retina.
The body tries to replace damaged blood vessels by growing new ones, however, the new blood vessels are often weak and irregular; causing further bleeding. Over time, this can lead to retinal scarring, which can cause vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema
If diabetic retinopathy goes unchecked, it may eventually develop into diabetic macular edema. As damaged and irregular blood vessels continue to bleed and leak, the macula, which is responsible for central vision, starts to fill with fluid and swell. The end result is a significant loss of vision.
Dr. Kapadia originally hails from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University. He then went on to graduate with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1998, where he specialized in contact lenses. After he graduated, Dr. Kapadia completed a one-year residency at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where he focused on ocular diseases.
Dr. Kapadia graduated with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1999, where she received the Wesley-Jessen award for Outstanding Work in Contact Lenses. During her studies, she also served as President of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), which works to improve the sight of millions of people in developing countries.
After growing up in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Price graduated from Susquehanna University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Dr. Price continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed her training in 2016. After graduation, Dr. Price spent her career studying advanced eye diseases and specialized Low Vision services and devices.
Dr. Morgan Kickliter grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Dr. Phillips earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Georgia before achieving his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry. There, he served as Vice President of the Georgia Optometric Student Association and provided free and cost-reduced optometric care to underserved patients in Mexico and Belize with the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. He served his residency at Gainesville Eye Associates, focusing on ocular diseases.