Eye Disorders - Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The small arteries that serve the retina deteriorate. They leak blood and protein fluids into the retina (non-proliferative retinopathy). Swelling of the macula occurs and is the most common reason diabetics lose vision. Eventually the small arteries stop working, starving the retina. This leads to stimulation to grow new blood vessels (proliferative retinopathy). The new vessels are harmful, causing bleeding and scarring.

Prevention
Eye examinations are crucial. If you have diabetes, you should have an annual examination with pupil dilation. If you have retinopathy, examinations may need to be more frequent.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated better blood sugar control decreases retinopathy risk. Do you know your hemoglobin A1c?  Ask your primary care doctor.

Treatment
Most retinopathy requires no special eye treatment. When retinopathy progresses and threatens vision, laser treatment is often used.
New injectible anti-vegf medications are especially useful for diabetic macular edema.

For more information visit:

• EyeSmart