What it is
Sustained high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels of the body, and the smallest ones in the eye are in the retina. Over the years those vessels weaken, bleed or leak fluid into the macula, and vision suffers.
At first it causes no symptoms at all, which is why everyone with diabetes has their retina checked even if they see well. Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol is as much a part of treatment as what is done in the eye.
Techniques and procedures
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01
Retina exam
With the pupil dilated the whole retina is examined and, depending on the findings, images and a scan are taken to compare at the next visit.
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02
Intravitreal injections
When there is fluid in the macula (diabetic macular edema), a medication given inside the eye reduces it and helps protect central vision.
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03
Laser and vitrectomy
Laser photocoagulation treats abnormal vessels in the retina; vitrectomy is reserved for bleeding that does not clear or traction detachments.
Who treats it
When to get checked
- You live with diabetes and have not had your retina checked in the last year.
- Your vision gets blurry or changes during the day.
- Dark spots or floaters suddenly appeared.
- You were just diagnosed with diabetes: the first exam happens at diagnosis.
If any of these sound familiar, the sensible step is an assessment: that is where you find out what is going on and what to do about it.
General guidance. It does not replace an assessment by a specialist.
Related services
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Retinal surgery
Vitrectomy and other techniques to repair retinal detachments, macular holes, membranes and bleeding in the retina.
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Age-related macular degeneration
Wear of the macula that comes with age and affects central vision. In both its dry and its wet form there are treatments that help slow it down when it is caught in time.
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Retinal disease treatment
Vein occlusions, tears and high myopia changes: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the retina.
Accreditations
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Mexican Board of Ophthalmology
All three doctors, board-certified in the specialty.
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COFEPRIS
Current operating notice with the federal health authority.
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Centro Médico ABC
All three doctors, members of its medical society.
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Instituto de Oftalmología
Fundación Conde de Valenciana IAP.
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Mexican Society of Ophthalmology
Active members, current in their subspecialty.
Contact
Where we are
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment: the clinic is in Torre A, fifth floor, and the entrance and the elevator take a moment.
- Prolongación Vasco de Quiroga 4001
- Torre A, Piso 5, Consultorio 5
- Santa Fe, 05370
- Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México
Write to us
Leave us your details and we will contact you the same day to coordinate your visit.
Notes
What is worth knowing about your eyes
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Diabetes: your retina gets checked even if you see well
The damage starts without symptoms and shows up in a dilated exam, so the check-up is scheduled instead of waiting for trouble.
Dr. Gerardo Ledesma Gil
Read note -
Floaters, flashes and shadows
A sudden burst of them, or a shadow moving in from the side, should not wait for your next visit: it calls for a prompt retina exam.
Dr. Gerardo Ledesma Gil
Read note -
After retina surgery
Vision takes time to settle and the follow-up visits are part of the treatment, not paperwork: that is where we see if things are going where they should.
Dr. Gerardo Ledesma Gil
Read note
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most before their first visit
Do I need a referral to book a visit?
No. You can book your consultation directly. If another doctor referred you, please bring their notes and any tests: they help us avoid repeating work that is already done.
How long does the first assessment take?
Between 30 and 60 minutes. It includes a full eye exam.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Your current glasses, a list of the medications you take and any previous eye tests or prescriptions. If you wear contact lenses, ask us how long before the visit you should take them out.
Will my pupils be dilated? Can I drive afterwards?
Often yes, especially for retina and glaucoma exams. The drops leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for a couple of hours, so it is best to bring someone along or not drive back.
Where is the clinic?
In Santa Fe, inside an office tower: Prolongación Vasco de Quiroga 4001, Tower A, 5th floor, office 5. Allow a few minutes for the entrance and the elevator; the "Directions" button opens the route on the map.