Diabetic Eye Care:

One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The cause of diabetic retinopathy is not completely understood; however, it is known that diabetes damages small blood vessels in the various areas of the body. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer a  person has diabetes.  About 80% of the people with at least a 15 year history of diabetes have some blood vessel damage to their retina.  

At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no vision loss or other symptoms.  But over time, it can harm your vision. Some symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
•Blurry, darkened or cloudy vision
•Seeing “floaters” (dark spots) or back lines

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, seeing clearly may become more difficult.  Vision may quickly get worse without warning or it may slowly worsen over time.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, the best way to protect your vision is to control your risk factors. The first step is to keep your blood sugar level in a healthy range.  Check your blood sugar regularly.  Follow your diabetes management plan carefully.  High blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol can increase your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

You need to visit your ophthalmologist for a complete dilated eye exam at least once yearly (more often if you become pregnant).  

If your ophthalmologist finds signs of diabetic retinopathy, a special diagnostic test may be performed. It is called fluorescein angiography.  Fluorescein angiography uses special photographs of the retina to reveal changes in the small vessels at the back of the eye.  A dye will be injected into your arm and photographs will be taken of the back of the eye.  These photos show the small vessels (capillaries) in the back of the eye in great detail.  This detailed image will provide a basis for comparison over time, and a road map for laser treatment, if it becomes necessary.  This information will allow you and your ophthalmologist to design a treatment plan that is best for you.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

The most common treatments are:
• Laser photocoagulation to control leaking capillaries and prevent growth of new capillaries
• Vitrectomy to remove a cloudy vitreous and scar tissue
• Cryotherapy  to shrink capillaries and repair the retina