Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy ?

Diabetic Retinopathy is the end result of diabetic damage to the eye. Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels throughout the body. The tiny blood vessels within the eye that feed the retina are particularly vulnerable to this damage. The retina is a delicate tissue within the eye that acts like the film in a camera. When the blood vessels within the retina become damaged they leak and bleed. This causes fluid to build up within the retina damaging it.

Who Develops Diabetic Retinopathy ?

People who have been diabetic for many years and/ or who have had poorly controlled blood sugars are at the greatest risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy ?

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy have very few symptoms. As the condition progresses, one can experience blurred vision, floaters or even sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented ?

Recent studies indicate that tight blood sugar control can slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated ?

Every diabetic patient needs to be monitored by an eye care professional in order to spot diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stages. Once diabetic retinopathy is identified to be causing retinal damage then laser therapy only takes a few minutes, and is performed right here at the Gabriele Eye Institute. There are no activity restrictions afterward and you can go about your daily business immediately after the procedure.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy occasionally needs surgical intervention. This is much more common if the diabetic retinopathy is caught late. Therefore, regular examinations by your eye care professional are extremely important.