What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Symptoms
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Floaters (dark spots or strings) in the field of vision
- Impaired color vision
- Vision loss or fluctuations in vision
Causes and Risk Factors
Diabetic retinopathy is primarily caused by long-term high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. Other risk factors include:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- Duration of diabetes
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage, blood vessels in the retina weaken and may leak fluid or blood.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): In this advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which can lead to severe vision loss and blindness.
Diagnosis and Screening
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including:
- Visual acuity test
- Dilated eye exam to examine the retina and optic nerve
- Retinal imaging, such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow in the retina
Management and Treatment
Management of diabetic retinopathy focuses on:
- Blood sugar control: Maintaining target blood sugar levels can help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
- Blood pressure control: Managing high blood pressure can reduce the risk of complications.
- Lifestyle modifications: Healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support overall eye health.
- Treatment: Depending on the severity of diabetic retinopathy, treatment options may include intravitreal injections, laser therapy, or surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes, but early detection and management can help prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, it’s essential to undergo regular eye screenings to detect diabetic retinopathy early. Remember, prioritizing your eye health is key to maintaining clear vision and overall well-being.
What we Serve
Our Services
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that affects the eyes of individuals with diabetes. Our team specializes in managing diabetic retinopathy through advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized treatment plans aimed at preserving vision and preventing further damage.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a blockage in the small blood vessels that carry blood away from the retina. Our experts offer comprehensive care for RVO, including accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management to minimize vision loss and preserve eye health.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, the small central area of the retina that controls visual acuity.
Green Laser For Diabetic Retinopathy
Green laser treatment is an effective option for managing diabetic retinopathy, helping to reduce swelling and leakage in the retina. Learn more about our green laser therapy for diabetic retinopathy and how it can benefit you.
Intravitreal Injection
Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye, targeting various retinal conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Discover how our intravitreal injection therapy can help improve your eye health.