Diabetic Retinopathy

How We Help You Protect Your Vision at Lakefront Eyecare

The eyes can provide important insight into how well diabetes is being managed, making regular eye care a vital part of comprehensive diabetes management. Did you know that diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the US? At Lakefront Eyecare, we know how easy it is to put off eye exams—especially when your vision seems clear. That’s why Dr. Dugan and our team are here: to make sure you’re staying ahead of serious conditions like diabetic retinopathy, so you can maintain healthy vision and sight for years to come.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this damage can lead to vision changes—and if left untreated, even permanent vision loss.

The scary part? It usually develops slowly and painlessly, with no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why consistent, routine eye exams are so important if you have diabetes.

How We Catch It Early—Without Dilation

We know dilating your eyes can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even something you dread. So at Lakefront Eyecare, we’ve made it easier and more patient-friendly.

We use the Eidon UWF (Ultra-Widefield) imaging system, which captures incredibly detailed, panoramic images of your retina without the need for dilation in most cases. That means:

• No drops
• No blurry vision for the rest of the day
• No waiting around—just in, out, and back to your routine

This high-tech imaging gives Dr. Dugan a clear view of the back of your eye, allowing her to spot the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy—like microaneurysms, fluid leakage, or changes in the retinal blood vessels. It also helps us track any changes from year to year, so we can adjust your care as needed.

What to Watch For

Even though diabetic retinopathy often starts silently, some people may eventually notice:

• Blurry or spotty vision
• Trouble seeing at night
• Floaters or dark spots
• Faded or distorted colors
• Areas of vision loss

If anything about your vision feels “off,” don’t wait—call us right away. The sooner we take a look, the more we can do to protect your sight.

Who’s Most at Risk?

If you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is something you should be thinking about—especially if:

• You’ve had diabetes for many years
• Your blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels are difficult to manage
• You’re pregnant
• You smoke

Dr. Dugan typically recommends a yearly diabetic eye exam, or more often if you’re at higher risk. We’ll work with your primary doctor or endocrinologist to make sure your care stays connected and consistent.

How Dr. Dugan Supports Diabetic Eye Health

Our approach to diabetic eye care is grounded in preventative care and long-term relationships. When you come to Lakefront Eyecare, you're not just getting a quick exam—you’re getting a partner who’s here to help protect your vision for years to come.

Here’s how we support you:

• Routine monitoring with advanced tools like the Eidon UWF
• Personalized care plans based on your exam results and overall health
• Honest, clear communication about what’s going on with your eyes
• Help coordinating with other healthcare providers when needed
• Encouragement, education, and answers to all your questions

We’re here for the long haul, and we want you to feel confident and empowered when it comes to your eye health.

Let’s Stay Ahead of Diabetic Retinopathy—Together

Your eyes matter. And when you live with diabetes, they need extra attention. But that doesn’t have to be stressful—we’re here to make it easy, approachable, and something you can actually feel good about.

📞 Call Lakefront Eyecare at (504) 565-2900 or stop by our office in New Orleans in West End to schedule your diabetic eye exam with Dr. Dugan. Prioritizing vision care today helps preserve your sight for the future—so you can continue to experience the people and moments that matter most.