Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, or are experiencing changes in your vision, our advanced treatment options can help manage the condition and preserve your sight.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition primarily caused by diabetes damaging the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It is the most common cause of visual impairment in the United States. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to the development of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can cause vision loss and other complications.
There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: This advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy occurs when new blood vessels develop in the retina in an attempt to supply more oxygen. Unfortunately, these blood vessels are abnormal and fragile, breaking and bleeding easily. This bleeding can interfere with vision and lead to the formation of scar tissue on the surface of the retina. In severe cases, this scar tissue can cause retinal detachments, which could require surgery to restore vision.
- Background Diabetic Retinopathy: Also known as early diabetic retinopathy, this condition occurs when the tiny blood vessels in your eye start leaking fluid. The retina absorbs this extra fluid, causing it to thicken or swell, a condition known as macular edema. When the area of the retina responsible for your central vision becomes swollen, your vision could begin to decrease.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Can Include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Vision loss in one or both eyes
- Empty or dark areas in vision
- Wavy or distorted vision
- Sudden, severe vision changes
- Difficulty reading fine print
- Increased sensitivity to light
Benefits of Receiving Treatment
There are many benefits to receiving treatment for diabetic retinopathy, including:
- Slowing the progression of vision loss
- Stabilizing and preserving central vision
- Preventing further damage to the retina
- Reducing the risk of severe complications such as retinal detachment
- Improving overall eye health by managing diabetic eye disease
Are You a Candidate for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment?
You might need treatment for diabetic retinopathy if:
- You have abnormal blood vessels in your retina due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- You have background diabetic retinopathy with swelling in the retina (macular edema)
- You’re experiencing vision loss because of diabetic eye disease
- You have a history of high blood sugar or poorly controlled diabetes
What to Expect
Your eye specialist at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease will evaluate your eyes using advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy. Based on your specific condition, several treatment options might be recommended:
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is often used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy by sealing off abnormal blood vessels to prevent further bleeding and growth. This procedure can also be used to treat macular edema by reducing the leakage of fluid from the tiny blood vessels in the retina. It can take several weeks for the laser treatment to fully take effect, and repeat treatments might be necessary to control the condition.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: For diabetic macular edema, injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications can be administered directly into the eye painlessly. These injections help reduce swelling by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels, potentially improving or stabilizing vision.
- Vitrectomy Surgery: In cases where severe bleeding or scar tissue has caused significant vision loss, vitrectomy surgery could be required. This involves removing the vitreous gel and any blood or scar tissue from the eye to prevent further damage and restore vision. It is often recommended when proliferative diabetic retinopathy leads to retinal detachment or when other treatments have been ineffective.
It is important to note that maintaining good control over your blood sugar and blood pressure is essential to prevent diabetic retinopathy from progressing and to minimize ocular complications.
Potential Risks
As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks associated with treating diabetic retinopathy. These can include infection, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site. Our experienced team at Center for Retina and Macular Disease takes every precaution to minimize these risks.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist in the Center for Retina and Macular Disease
If you experience any of the following, it’s important to seek evaluation and treatment:
- Sudden changes in vision, such as increased blurriness or vision loss
- Difficulty seeing fine details or reading
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Vision that appears wavy or distorted
- Pain or discomfort in the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment with Center for Retina and Macular Disease
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, our team specializes in the treatment of diabetic eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. With advanced techniques such as laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy surgery, our goal is to manage the effects of diabetes on your eyes and preserve your vision.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, contact Center for Retina and Macular Disease today to schedule your consultation.