Diagnosis and Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye complication resulting from diabetes. Blood vessels in the retina are damaged causing vision complications. Mild diabetic retinopathy causes controllable vision complications. However if left untreated, severe cases lead to vision loss. This condition affects people with type one and types two diabetes. Too much blood sugar blocks the tiny eye vessels in the retina. They leak into the retina causing vision complications. Nerves and fibers in the retina react by swelling and you develop macular edema. Eventually, the eye can develop scar tissue and damage the optic nerve, resulting in glaucoma.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

During a diagnosis test, the doctor checks your vision. He or she measures the pressure in your eye to check if you have glaucoma. A test for cataracts is also important during diagnosis. The first symptom is the presence of diabetes in the patient. Aside from that, the doctor checks for the following symptoms:

• Abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

• Abnormal optic nerve.

• Growth of new vessels in the retina.

• Fatty deposits in the eye.

• Blood leakage in the eye.

• Swelling or macular edema.

• Jelly like fluid buildup in the middle of the eye.

• Retinal detachment.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy presents in two ways. One is early-onset Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). The second one is Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy. NPDR occurs when tiny blood vessels develop tiny bulges that block blood flow into the retina. Sometimes, the rapture and leak causing the retina to swell. Advanced stages cause jelly-like fluid to fill up the retina causing visual complications. The growth of new blood vessels in the eye can cause pressure buildup and damage the optic nerve.

What Is the Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are manageable. The doctor monitors you closely and determines when you need an intervention. You can manage the symptoms by keeping your blood sugar in check.

For advanced cases, you require medical intervention. Depending on the severity of the condition, you have options to consider. You can go for photocoagulation, which is focal laser treatment. It slows the leakage of blood vessels in the eye. You can also go for pan-retinal photocoagulation, which is a scatter laser treatment. It shrinks the new blood vessels away from the macular.

Vitrectomy is another option where blood vessels are removed from the eye. A tiny incision is made under general anesthesia to remove scar tissue and abnormal veins from the middle of the eye. In some cases, the doctor injects medication into the eye. These medicines contain vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. They stop the growth of new blood vessels. Surgery slows down the progression of symptoms, but it does not stop them from recurring. Patients continue using medication after surgery to keep the symptoms in check.

When to See a Doctor

If you have diabetes, it is wise to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. If you experience abnormalities in your vision however mild, check with your eye doctor. Some other conditions such as pregnancy and old age can worsen your case. You should have regular eye exams if you have already started to show symptoms.

For more information on eye care, visit Eye Care North at our offices in Cave Creek, Arizona. You can also call 480-781-4446 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.