Senior man at optician looking in slit lamp to get his cornea examined
More than 29 million Americans are believed to have diabetes. These individuals are at serious risk for a form of permanent vision loss called diabetic eye disease. Fortunately, The Eye Institute can help you protect your eyes against this potential sight robber through regular exams, and treatment as needed, from our Knightdale NC optometrist.
When your pancreas cannot manufacture enough insulin to control blood sugar levels, the excess sugar in the bloodstream damages the blood vessels — and the many tiny blood vessels in the eye are typically among the first to fail. As the blood vessels underlying the retina start to leak and bleed, the macula (the part of the retina that produces your central vision) may swell up, causing visual distortion and increasing the number of “floaters” you see. As more and more blood vessels go bad, the retinal tissues lose access to critical nourishment, resulting in permanent retinal damage and vision loss. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.
At some point in your diabetic eye disease, the afflicted eyes may start growing a large number of new blood vessels to replace the ones that have failed. This late-stage condition, known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, actually complicates matters further because the new blood vessels are usually weak-walled and defective. This results in even more blood leakage into the clear gelatinous vitreous humor, making your vision worse. To add insult to injury, diabetes also increases your risks for glaucoma and cataracts.
Diabetic eye disease can progress for a long time without your being aware of the damage being done to your eyes. In fact, you might not even know you have diabetes until a comprehensive eye exam uncovers a case of diabetic retinopathy. That’s one really compelling reason (among many) to get your eyes examined regularly, particularly if you have genetic or lifestyle-based risk factors for diabetes. Your optometrist in The Eye Institute will discuss your condition and urge you to visit your family doctor for immediate diabetes treatment. Controlling the underlying cause is a must for controlling its effects on your eyes!
Our clinic can provide you with a personalized The Eye Institute program to help you cope with diabetic eye issues. For instance, corrective lenses and vision aids can help compensate for low vision. Medications can control the proliferation of new blood vessels. In some cases may refer you to an eye surgeon for laser procedures to cauterize leaky blood vessels, or for replacement of blood-tainted vitreous humor with clear fluid. You can also count on The Eye Institute to address related eye issues such as glaucoma.
Spare your eyesight from the ravages of diabetic eye disease, starting with a comprehensive exam to catch the condition early. Call 919-266-2048 for an appointment with your optometrist in Knightdale NC!
Excellent service, doctor and front desk staff. Also an excellent and very stylish selection of eyewear for the entire family.
I highly recommend!
I left feeling as if I was valued, and that my money was being well spent on something I wanted to spend it on — not something I felt pressured into thinking I needed. The eye exam was by far one of the most involved and well explained I have ever experienced. I was pleasantly surprised the that the Dr. was present the whole time, my questions were answered with thought and not once did I get the standard, "I would not be too concerned " response. It was always a clear interest to make sure I was understanding the technical as well as the results of his answer.
After many many years here...I am still happy to have my annual exam, glasses, contact lenses, and other services for my family here. LOVE this place and the atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I highly recommend!
TEI's team has always been courteous, friendly, and calls about the exam. I've been going for years to one in Knightdale, NC and would not switch unless they close which, hopefully, they never will!
I had been coming here for years and I’m always greeted by friendly staff! They know most of my family and remember our life stories when we come. It never feels like I’m the eye doctor, it feels like family.
I loved everyone at the Eye Institute. I got in pretty quick, they were very thorough and everyone had a great attitude. Thanks, Eye Institute!!
Dr. Chad Morgan has provided me with proactive, strategic care and exceptional long-term advice about my eye care for more than 5 years. I trust him completely and know he has a full understanding of my health and the new treatment options for my care. I simply wouldn't entrust my eyes to anyone else!
Good customer service. Tiffany was very helpful in helping me pick out my new eyewear. Dr. Chad is friendly and proactive...I appreciate both!
Thank you for visiting GoodLooks. We’re now part of The Eye Institute family. You can still visit us in the same North Raleigh location or check out one of our other two offices in Raleigh or Knightdale. Learn more on the “Locations” page on our website.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!