Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Eye Disease Care and Prevention

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high levels of blood sugar in individuals with diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina.

Diabetic retinal disease can be divided into 3 main types:

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR):

In this early stage, the blood vessels in the retina may start to leak fluid or blood, leading to swelling and the formation of small deposits called exudates. This stage might not cause noticeable vision problems, but regular eye exams are crucial to monitor any changes.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):

This affects the central part of the retina (called the macula) responsible for sharp vision. In DME, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels, leading to fluid buildup and swelling which can cause blurry or distorted vision and, if left untreated, can progress to severe vision loss or even blindness.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):

In this advanced stage, the damaged blood vessels can cause the retina to grow new abnormal blood vessels, a process called neovascularization. These new vessels are fragile and can bleed into the vitreous, the jelly-like substance inside the eye, leading to sudden vision loss or the appearance of floaters. The growth of these abnormal blood vessels can also cause scar tissue formation, leading to retinal detachment and further vision loss.

Laser Therapy For Diabetic Retinopathy

Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy involves using a focused beam of light to target specific areas of the retina. It is commonly used to treat two main types of diabetic retinopathy issues: macular edema (swelling of the central part of the retina) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (growth of abnormal blood vessels). The laser’s thermal energy can seal leaky blood vessels, reduce abnormal vessel growth, and help prevent further damage to the retina.

Laser treatment can be of two main types:

Focal Laser Treatment:

This targets specific leaking blood vessels in the macula (central part of the retina). It helps reduce the swelling and prevents further leakage, which can improve vision in cases of macular edema.

Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP):

PRP is used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It involves applying laser spots to the peripheral areas of the retina. This helps to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and shrink existing abnormal vessels, preventing complications like retinal detachment.

Laser treatment is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and doesn’t require an overnight stay. While it can effectively manage diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss, it’s important to note that it might not fully restore vision that has already been lost. Regular follow-up appointments with an eye specialist are essential to monitor the condition and determine if further treatments are needed.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments

Our Eye MDs (ophthalmologist) focus on long-term eye health and work to improve or maintain your vision. Many problems do not appear until the later stages of life and require thorough care to resolve or manage them. We conduct comprehensive eye exams to monitor and detect the early signs of eye diseases.

Eye MDs of Inland addresses adult optometric and ophthalmologic concerns, including the following:

Dry Eye
Red Eye
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Diabetic
Eye Care

Macular
Degeneration
Pterygium & Pinguecula
Eyelid
Surgery