Eye Care Information

 

Diabetic Eye Care

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing a variety of vision threatening eye conditions. Unstable, high blood sugars can damage the blood vessels located in the eye. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of blindness in Americans between 20 and 74 years of age. Up to 40,000 Americans become legally blind each year as a result of this disease. Routine eye exams are an essential step in maintaining healthy vision. Catching problems early decreases the chance of significant vision loss. Raleigh Eye Center offers specialty care for a variety of diabetes related eye conditions. 

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

The most common condition caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is classified by two types, nonproliferative or proliferative. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), is considered to be early stage diabetic retinopathy. There are typically no visual symptoms however; in this stage small blood vessels may begin to leak blood or fluid. This can cause swelling in the retina as well as deposits called exudates form. If the macula becomes involved in the swelling caused by NPDR, quality of vision is decreased. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), is considered to be the advanced stage of this disease. It is characterized by abnormal blood vessels growing in the retina. These blood vessels are prone to leakage and breakage. Scar tissue may also be present, which can lead to a retinal detachment. Decreased blood flow (ischemia) of the retina is another symptom of PDR. 

 

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy

Regular eye exams are vitally important in the diagnosis and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy. These exams should occur at least once per year. Dilated eye exams provide your ophthalmologist with valuable information about the health of your retina. If diabetic retinopathy is discovered during an eye exam, a fluorescein angiography may be prescribed. A fluorescein angiography is a test where dye is injected into the veins to see if there are any leaking blood vessels in the eye(s). 

 

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

The treatment prescribed by your eye care provider will vary depending on the stage of diabetic retinopathy you have. For those with NPDR, no treatment may be necessary. Your eye doctor will monitor your eyes for change. If you have PDR rapid, surgical treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss. Your eye care provider at Raleigh Eye Center will refer you to a retinal specialist for treatment of PDR. There are several procedures that may be performed to protect the health of your eye. 

 

• Laser Photocoagulation - During this procedure a laser is used to seal off leaking blood vessels and fluid in the eye.

• Cryotherapy - When laser surgery is not an option, cryotherapy may be used. In this treatment, parts of the retina are frozen to help shrink abnormal blood vessels.

• Vitrectomy - Advanced cased of PDR may require a vitrectomy. This procedure is performed to remove the blood from the vitreous (the clear substance in the center of the eye) as well as any scar tissue that may be present. This procedure is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

Surgical treatment of diabetic retinopathy is not a cure for the condition. It is essential that people with diabetes manage their condition throughout their lifetime. Keeping blood sugars at a stable level through diet and medication as well as regular medical eye examinations is key in the prevention of permanent vision loss due to diabetes.