DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes in which the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the retina of the eye are damaged due to long-term high levels of blood sugar . The retina is a light-sensitive membrane that lines the back of the eye and a healthy retina is vital to normal vision. Diabetic retinopathy generally develops slowly over a period of months as ongoing high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the retina. This leads to leaking or bleeding of the blood vessels or the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These processes can prevent light from reaching the retina. This leads to the typical symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, such as changes in vision, including blurred vision. However, in early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may be no noticeable symptoms.
In later stages of diabetic retinopathy serious complications can result, including retinal detachment and blindness. Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is generally made by an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist who has done specialization in Vitreo Retina.
Once diabetic retinopathy has developed, treatment plans are individualized depending on the severity, symptoms, the presence of complications, the age of the patient, and other factors.. Non-Surgical options include Laser Photocoagulation, which can seal off leaking blood vessels. An option for more advanced diabetic retinopathy is called a vitrectomy. In a vitrectomy, the fluid in the eye called the vitreous fluid, which has become filled with blood due to leaking blood vessels, is replaced by clear saline. If the complication of retinal detachment has occurred, surgery to reattach the retina may be necessary.
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy is very important for people with diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely a person will develop diabetic retinopathy. Good control of blood sugar levels minimizes the risks of developing diabetic retinopathy and can slow progression of the condition. Prevention, as well as treatment for regular eye checkup, includes a consistently following a plan to treat diabetes and normalize blood sugar levels as much as possible to prevent nerve and blood vessel damage.
In later stages of diabetic retinopathy serious complications can result, including retinal detachment and blindness. Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is generally made by an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist who has done specialization in Vitreo Retina.
Once diabetic retinopathy has developed, treatment plans are individualized depending on the severity, symptoms, the presence of complications, the age of the patient, and other factors.. Non-Surgical options include Laser Photocoagulation, which can seal off leaking blood vessels. An option for more advanced diabetic retinopathy is called a vitrectomy. In a vitrectomy, the fluid in the eye called the vitreous fluid, which has become filled with blood due to leaking blood vessels, is replaced by clear saline. If the complication of retinal detachment has occurred, surgery to reattach the retina may be necessary.
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy is very important for people with diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely a person will develop diabetic retinopathy. Good control of blood sugar levels minimizes the risks of developing diabetic retinopathy and can slow progression of the condition. Prevention, as well as treatment for regular eye checkup, includes a consistently following a plan to treat diabetes and normalize blood sugar levels as much as possible to prevent nerve and blood vessel damage.
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