Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy, and How Our New IRIS Camera Helps Protect Your Vision
Feb 26, 2026
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the retina. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or close off completely. In advanced stages, this can lead to serious vision problems.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults. The good news is that early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of blindness.
One of the biggest challenges with diabetic retinopathy is that it often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many patients don’t realize there’s a problem until vision changes occur, and by then, damage may already be significant. Diabetic retinopathy can affect patients even with controlled sugar levels. That’s why annual retinal screenings are so important for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Our new IRIS Camera allows us to take detailed, high-resolution images of the retina quickly and comfortably without the need for dilation, right here in our office! These images help us detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and monitor any changes over time.
We send these images to an ophthalmologist for interpretation. The specialist will let us know whether further evaluation is needed. If any concerns are identified, we will coordinate a prompt referral to a retina specialist for follow-up care.
If you have diabetes, regular eye screenings are one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your sight. With our new technology available in our DC location, getting screened is now more convenient than ever.
If you’re due for your annual diabetic retinopathy screening*, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Early detection saves vision. Your eye health is our priority, and we’re proud to bring this advanced screening option to our community.
*This screening does not take the place of a comprehensive annual eye exam with an ophthalmologist/optometrist.