Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss among people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Without early detection and proper treatment, diabetic retinopathy can result in permanent vision loss.  

What is Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the retina’s blood vessels. There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy: 

• Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage, the blood vessels in the retina weaken, allowing blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This may result in swelling, macular edema, or the formation of deposits known as exudates.  
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): In the more advanced stage, the retina becomes deprived of oxygen, triggering the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can easily rupture, leading to bleeding into the eye (vitreous hemorrhage) and the development of scar tissue.

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diagnosing diabetic retinopathy involves a comprehensive eye exam, during which your eye doctor will dilate your pupils to examine the retina closely. Some diagnostic tools and tests include: 

1. Dilated Eye Exam: The eye doctor uses special drops to dilate your pupils and then examines the retina for signs of damage, such as leaking blood vessels, swelling, or abnormal growth of new blood vessels. 
2. Fluorescein Angiography: In this test, a dye is injected into the bloodstream, allowing the doctor to see the blood vessels in the retina in detail and identify any blockages or leaks. 
3. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This noninvasive imaging test captures cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing the doctor to measure its thickness and detect any swelling caused by fluid accumulation. 

When to Worry About Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy can develop without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, some warning signs may become apparent, such as: 

• Blurry or distorted vision 

• Floaters (dark spots or strings floating in your field of vision) 

• Sudden vision changes, such as sudden loss of vision in one eye 

• Difficulty seeing in low light or at night 

Even if you do not have symptoms, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam two times a year. The earlier diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated. 

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy 

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on its stage. Early stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy may not require immediate therapy beyond careful blood sugar management and regular eye exams. However, more active treatments may be needed if the disease progresses or causes significant damage. 

In cases of severe diabetic retinopathy, where there is significant bleeding in the eye or retinal detachment, a vitrectomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a clear solution to improve vision and prevent further damage. 

Proper blood sugar control is essential for managing diabetic retinopathy. Working closely with your primary care physician and endocrinologist to manage your diabetes can help slow the progression of this condition and preserve your vision. 

Schedule Your Appointment 

If you have diabetes, protecting your vision should be a priority. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy before it leads to serious vision problems. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your eye health and learn how we can help you preserve your vision.  

Patient Portal

Financing

Forms

OUR TEAM

Our approach to patient care starts with our doctors who are devoted to creating a welcoming, and family-oriented relationship with our patients. We employ highly-trained staff to deliver the first-class attention that our patients have come to appreciate and expect.

Meet Our Team