Appleton Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition affecting people with diabetes, potentially leading to vision loss if not properly managed. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. At Packerland Eyecare, our board-certified doctor has the experience and knowledge necessary to offer appropriate care for those at risk or who are already experiencing diabetic retinopathy. The team in our Appleton office is dedicated to helping preserve your vision by providing dependable diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can vary and may include blurred vision, floaters, difficulty seeing colors, and dark areas in your vision. Unfortunately, in its early stages, the disease may not present obvious symptoms, making it crucial for diabetic patients to undergo regular checkups. Early detection is key to preventing severe vision impairment. At Packerland Eyecare, we stress the importance of regular medical eye evaluations, as they enable us to monitor changes in your retinal health and intervene promptly.
Our office routinely sees patients from Green Bay, and throughout Outagamie and Brown counties. Call (920) 717-4299 or contact us online today.
Why Choose Packerland Eyecare?
Your Vision Is Our Passion
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Insurance Plans & MoreWe work to make your care as accessible as possible, through insurance plans and our own membership offers.
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Range of Care for All Ages
We offer comprehensive eye exams for all ages, including back-to-school, pediatric, routine, & senior care.
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Friendly, Experienced TeamExpect attentive care from professionals who use advanced technology and expertise to guide you.
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Medical EvaluationsOur team can provide unique evaluations and screenings to check for diabetes and other health considerations.
Your Vision Is Our Priority
At Packerland Eyecare, we've been dedicated to serving the Appleton community and its surrounding area since 2012. We carry out our diabetic retinopathy care with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to develop precise care tailored to your specific needs. We accept most insurance plans, something we hope simplifies your eye care experience and reduces financial stress.
Our bilingual staff serves both English and Spanish-speaking patients. Call (920) 717-4299 today. We can meet at a time of your convenience, including after normal business hours.
The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy progresses gradually, with different symptoms and treatment for each stage:
Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy
During this earliest stage, small areas of swelling occur in your retina's blood vessels, forming tiny bulges called microaneurysms. These microaneurysms may leak fluid into the retina, but often there are no noticeable symptoms for the patient. Comprehensive eye examinations are crucial at this stage, allowing for the detection of these changes before they advance. Our exams are designed to identify these early signs and provide a baseline for ongoing monitoring and care.
Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy
Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy is the second stage of diabetic retinopathy. At this point, some blood vessels nourishing the retina become blocked, affecting circulation. This blockage can lead to retinal swelling and reduced vision quality, although symptoms may still be mild or unnoticed. Our office uses advanced imaging technology to track these developments and tailor treatment plans to slow the disease's progression and protect your vision.
Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
Severe nonproliferative retinopathy represents a significant escalation in the condition. During this stage, more blood vessels are blocked, depriving several areas of the retina of their blood supply. This deprivation signals the retina to grow new, abnormal blood vessels. Although new symptoms may still not be apparent, the risk of vision loss increases considerably. At Packerland Eyecare, we focus on proactive management strategies to address this stage. Our goal is to stabilize your eye health through targeted treatments, preventing further deterioration and preparing for potential interventions should the condition progress further.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most advanced stage of the disease. It occurs when new, fragile blood vessels begin to grow, often leading to serious complications like vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment. If not treated promptly, these problems can result in severe vision loss or blindness. Symptoms may include significant vision changes, such as dark floaters or blurred vision. We offer advanced treatment options to halt these changes and work closely with you to preserve your sight and quality of life.
Our Patients Say It Best
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“The explanations he gave were wonderful and greatly appreciated.” Ashley Kuepper
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“She takes her time explaining things and pays attention to detail.” Chad Brekke
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“She is very informative when discussing options on types of lenses & products.” Marcy Ortlieb