Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye
disease, and is a leading cause of vision loss in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy is
caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Small bulges in the blood vessels called microaneurysms are one of the
first signs that can be detected. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, a retinal hemorrhage may
occur- tiny spots of blood will be visible. When the delicate retinal blood vessels of the
macula are damaged, they can leak fluid into the retina causing macular edema. Changes to
your vision occur gradually, and may not be noticeable at first. But in its advanced stages,
the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters, blind spots and eventually
blindness. This damage can be irreversible.
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by routine dilated
eye examinations, which are recommended for any patient with diabetes. Our physicians will
carefully examine the retina and will used advanced technology such as retinal photos and OCT
scans so that changes of retinopathy will be found as early as possible. If macular edema is
present, retinal laser is performed to seal off leaking blood vessels to prevent the
condition from worsening. Regular eye
exams and laser treatment are proven to slow diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision
loss.
The most important factor in preventing vision loss
from diabetic retinopathy is prevention of these retinal changes. This is achieved by routine
eye examinations and by following the prescribed diet and medications, exercising regularly,
controlling blood pressure, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
For more
information, or to schedule an appointment, please
call
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