Preserve Your Vision With Cottage Grove Eye Clinic

Diabetic Retinopathy in Cottage Grove

Preserve Your Vision With Cottage Grove Eye Clinic

Schedule Eye Exam

Have diabetes?

Experiencing changes in vision, such as blurriness and eye floaters?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss around the world. Of an estimated 285 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide, approximately one-third have signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are several steps people with diabetes can take to prevent or minimize vision loss.

Blood sugar level check


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What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

noraml eye and an eye with diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels clustered within your retina. This leads to swelling or fluid leakage and can result in vision loss and even blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy also raises the risk of retinal detachment and/or glaucoma.

Because the early stages of diabetic retinopathy show no symptoms, many don't realize they have it until the disease has progressed.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. To reduce your risk and protect your vision, schedule an eye exam with Cottage Grove Eye Clinic today.


What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

diabetic-retinopothy-oct-scan

As mentioned above, the early phase of diabetic retinopathy typically shows no symptoms. This is why it's important to have routine eye exams (all the more so if you have diabetes), as your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy in its earlier stages before symptoms become apparent.

Symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Double vision
  • Near vision problems
  • Seeing dark spots (scotomas)
  • Difficulty seeing at night

What are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Retinopathy (early stage):
This occurs when small bulges–or microaneurysms–form in blood vessels and can leak fluid into the retina.

Proliferative Retinopathy (later phase):
This refers to abnormal vessel growth and leakage in the retina. This triggers a variety of vision problems such as blurriness, reduced field of vision, and even blindness.

If you have diabetes, Cottage Grove Eye Clinic in Cottage Grove offers diagnostic tests and treatment options to help preserve your vision. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome.

Diabetic-Retinopathy-Bllod-sugar-level-checker


How Optometrists Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Medical history

    Your optometrist will ask about your medical history, including diabetes, as well as your family history of eye conditions.

  • Dilated pupil exam

    Your optometrist will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils so they can see inside the eye and detect any issues.

  • Fluorescein angiography

    This eye test uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid.

  • Optical coherence tomography

    This imaging method shows a cross-section of the retina and can indicate whether vessels are leaking fluid into the retina.


Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Cottage Grove

Our optometry practice in Cottage Grove

Photograph of Trent Cole
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • United Health Care Community Plan

How to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy

senior man with diabetic retinopathy

Treatment begins with managing blood sugar levels and diabetes. This means eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking whatever diabetes medication has been prescribed.

Other treatments will depend on the stage or severity of the disease. If caught early, only blood sugar management may be necessary.

However, if you're in a more advanced stage of the diseases, treatment options may include:
  • Eye medications. Steroid and Anti-VEGF treatments can stop inflammation and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Laser surgery. Reduces the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels and swelling in the retina.
  • Vitrectomy. If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may need an eye surgery called vitrectomy. This procedure removes scar tissue, blood or fluid, and some of the vitreous gel so light rays can better focus on the retina.
Patient Reviews
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92 Reviews
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- Jun. 12, 2023
Excellent Services, I would recommend to everyone. Thanks!
- Apr. 24, 2023
Very friendly staff, doctor is very good and knows his information! Clean and in and out quickly
- Nov. 04, 2022
Great service to include convenient scheduling, excellent customer service and detailed eye exam.
- Jul. 08, 2022
Very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Jun. 26, 2022
Dr. Cole has taken care of my family for so many years ! He is excellent eye doctor! I recommend com... ing to get your eyes check with him !
- Apr. 04, 2022
Thorough analysis of my eyes and helpful information. Good choices for glasses and options with them... .
- Feb. 14, 2022
Very friendly, fast, and professional. Nothing but good things to say about this clinic.
- Nov. 16, 2021
This rating is for my first visit at this location, which occurred 11/15/2021. I thought all staff I... encountered were pleasant, helpful, and courteous. In addition, Dr. Lauermann was professional and knowledgeable, two important things for any doctor. Thank you Dr. Lauermann and the CG Eye Clinic team!
- Nov. 15, 2021
Dr. Cole is very knowledgeable and personable. There is nothing but friendly faces and a welcoming a... tmosphere. I recommend Dr. Cole any chance I get. He’s great with every member of our family, ages 5, 11, 13 and adult.
- May. 06, 2019
The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. The Dr. was very patient and thorough and answered a... ll of my questions in an easy to understand manner. I'd highly recommend Cottage Grove Eyecare Clinic!
- Apr. 12, 2019
I was helped by Alissa, she was very nice and sweet and super helpful with properly fitting my glass... es and helping me find the right ones that worked for me!!!
- Apr. 12, 2019
The staff was amazing and friendly. I worked in particular with Alissa, the first time I came in I a... lways had trouble finding glasses that look good on me. Alissa was very understanding and did an amazing job at finding the perfect pair for me. The two other times I have been there since then Alissa has given amazing service as with the rest of the staff. I highly recommend going here!!
- Dec. 04, 2018
I had my eyes evaluated (first time in 4 years). I could afford the frames that I liked. Amber wrote... down the name of the frames and the dimensions for me to take home. I ended up purchasing my glasses online. Once I received them my eyes could not focus. I did not know if I received the wrong prescription, I entered the Rx wrong, or if they manufactured my lenses incorrectly. I called Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic to ask some questions. I thought that I would get some "shame" for not getting my lenses/frames with them. Amber was AMAZING! She offered some advice then offered for me to come in. She checked what I ordered, chechecked my Rx, and she checked my lenses. She was so incredibly helpful! I will continue with that clinic just because of her!
- Nov. 15, 2018
I saw Dr Herde today! He and his staff are very friendly, personable, professional, and efficient. ... My husband also sees him and likes all of the staff especially in the Woodbury location.
- Oct. 30, 2018
My daughters and I see Dr. Cole for our vision exams. When we walk through the doors we are greeted... with smiles and addressed by name. Dr. Cole is very nice and friendly. He is compassionate, caring, listens well, along with being dedicated and determined to help improve our vision. Additionally, Dr. Cole cares about the people in the community and about Cottage Grove, by being involved and giving back. He has served on committees, given his time and resources to organizations within the community as well. Thank you Dr. Cole and wonderful staff for taking care of us.
- Aug. 14, 2018
I've been seeing Dr. Cole since I was 13, I'm 28 now, and he's been awesome. He knows about my weird... eyeballs and takes good care of them. I would recommend Dr. Cole, he's awesome and very cool and kind.
- Dec. 16, 2017
I am a dentist working at the same building. I get my eye care at this eye clinic and see Dr. Cole.... I lost a screw on my loupes eyeglasses and I needed to start seeing patients! The nice lady that helped me was very understanding and fixed it up for me in 5 minutes and said there was no charge for it. I told her she was a lifesaver! 🙂 I went about my day happy to have my loupes back and happy to see my patients.
- Dec. 06, 2017
We had just moved to Cottage Grove a few months ago and I had not taken the time to find a new eye d... octor yet. When I tore my last pair of contacts, I needed to get in somewhere immediately. Not only were they extremely accommodating, they also accepted Tricare (which many places do not). Jenn was very helpful and even called me after my initial scheduling to tell me they had a cancellation for an earlier day/time, knowing it was important I get in right away! I cannot say enough good things about the Cottage Grove office. I will be referring them to everyone I know.
- Jan. 18, 2017
We’ve been coming to Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic for several years. I love the fact that we can ... typically get into an urgent same day appointment. That flexibility is nice with kids. There is also a contact number if you have an eye emergency after hours. Dr. Cole and his staff have always treated us with respect. They go above and beyond to help us find frames. Selection is somewhat limited. But between the three stores (Woodbury, Oakdale, and Cottage Grove) I have always found something great! My kids are notorious for breaking glasses, and they have always given us a one-time replacement within the first year, if needed. Ana and the front desk staff are tremendous. I have never had a bad experience here! I highly recommend Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic for your entire family!
- Jan. 12, 2017
I found this clinic when my family moved to CG about 5 years ago. The doctors are fantastic and wil... ling to work with you. The staff are so kind and truly care about you as a person. There are no hidden fees, they are very honest and upfront about charges etc. It has been a wonderful experience. I plan on bringing my 4 year old son in a few weeks!

View All 92 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

What are the major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

As the name suggests, diabetes is the main risk factor for developing diabetic retinopathy. Be mindful of your family history of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get an annual eye exam to detect potential problems early.

Other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also risk factors. Moreover, those of African or Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

There are a number of ways to preserve your vision and reduce the risk of vision and eye damage due to diabetic retinopathy.

  • Visit your eye doctor for annual eye exams.
  • Control your blood sugar levels.
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Quit smoking.

The best thing you can do right now is to schedule your eye exam with Cottage Grove Eye Clinic in Cottage Grove to ensure that everything is in check.

Does diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness among work-aged adults. It affects one in three people with diabetes and often goes unnoticed at first. Diagnosing and treating the condition early on can prevent severe vision loss.


blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

Schedule Eye Exam