Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Lakeland
For those diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or experiencing vision changes, our advanced treatments offer effective ways to manage the condition and safeguard your vision.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It’s the most common cause of vision problems in the United States. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, leading to potential vision loss and other complications.
There are two primary types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: This later stage of diabetic retinopathy occurs when new blood vessels grow in the retina as a way to increase oxygen supply. Unfortunately, these blood vessels are weak and abnormal, easily breaking and bleeding. This bleeding can obstruct vision and lead to scar tissue formation on the retina. In severe instances, this scar tissue may result in retinal detachment, which could require surgical intervention to regain vision.
- Background Diabetic Retinopathy: Also referred to as early diabetic retinopathy, this condition arises when the small blood vessels in your eyes begin to leak fluid. The retina takes in this excess fluid, leading to thickening or swelling, which is known as macular edema. When the part of the retina that controls your central vision swells, you may start to experience a decline in your vision.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Can Include:
- Fluctuating or blurred vision
- Presence of dark spots or floaters in your sight
- Challenges with nighttime vision
- Colors looking faded or washed out
- Vision impairment in one or both eyes
- Areas of darkness or emptiness in vision
- Wavy or distorted visual perception
- Abrupt and significant changes in vision
- Trouble reading fine details
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights
Benefits of Receiving Treatment
There are several advantages to getting treatment for diabetic retinopathy, such as:
- Halting the advancement of vision impairment
- Protecting and maintaining central vision
- Preventing more damage to the retinal structure
- Lowering the risk of severe complications such as retinal detachment
- Supporting overall eye health by effectively managing diabetic eye disease
Are You a Candidate for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment?
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy may be necessary if:
- You have developed abnormal blood vessels in your retina due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- Your condition includes background diabetic retinopathy with retinal swelling (macular edema).
- Vision loss is occurring as a result of diabetic eye disease.
- There is a history of high blood sugar or poorly controlled diabetes in your medical background.
What to Expect
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease in Lakeland, your eye specialist will conduct a thorough examination using advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of damage from diabetic retinopathy. Based on your specific circumstances, various treatment options may be proposed:
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is frequently utilized for the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy by sealing off abnormal blood vessels, preventing further bleeding and growth. This procedure is also effective in treating macular edema by reducing fluid leakage from the tiny blood vessels in the retina. The full effects of the laser treatment may take several weeks to manifest, and it may be necessary to have repeat treatments to keep the condition under control.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: In cases of diabetic macular edema, injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications can be given directly into the eye in a painless manner. These injections help to decrease swelling by blocking the growth of new blood vessels, which can potentially enhance or stabilize vision.
- Vitrectomy Surgery: If considerable vision loss is caused by severe bleeding or scar tissue, vitrectomy surgery may be required. This operation entails the removal of the vitreous gel and any blood or scar tissue in the eye to prevent further harm and assist in restoring vision. It is often advised in situations where proliferative diabetic retinopathy leads to retinal detachment or when other treatment methods have not been successful.
Keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure levels under control is essential for preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy and minimizing the risk of eye complications.
Potential Risks
As with any medical procedure, treating diabetic retinopathy comes with certain risks. Possible complications include infection, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and mild discomfort or bruising at the injection site. Our experienced staff at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease in Lakeland works diligently to minimize these risks.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist in the Center for Retina and Macular Disease
Should you experience any of the following signs, it’s essential to pursue evaluation and treatment:
- Unexpected changes in vision, such as heightened blurriness or loss of vision
- Difficulty in discerning fine details or reading
- Presence of dark spots or floaters in your sight
- Wavy or distorted vision
- Discomfort or pain in the eye
- Enhanced sensitivity to light
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment with Center for Retina and Macular Disease
Our team at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease is dedicated to treating diabetic eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. We utilize advanced techniques like laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy surgery to help manage diabetes-related effects on your eyes and maintain your vision.
If you’re looking to learn more about your treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, contact the Center for Retina and Macular Disease today to schedule a consultation in Lakeland.