Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness with diabetes. Approximately half of patients with diabetes of more than 7 years have some form of Diabetic Retinopathy. This figure rises to 90% after 20 years. Diabetes slowly destroys the blood vessel causing leakage and bleeding in the retina.
Two Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
1.
Background Diabetic Retinopathy
Background Diabetic Retinopathy is characterized by dot hemorrhages; leakage of fluid and lipid into the retina often causing blurry central vision when the fluid collects in the center of the retina (Macular Edema).
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is more serious, vision threatening stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. At this stage, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina. The fragile blood vessels tend to break and bleed, which can cause sudden decrease in vision. Bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, or scaring can result in vision loss if left without immediate laser treatment.
Recommendation
- Diabetic patients with no retinopathy - Eye exam at least once a year
- Diabetic patients with retinopathy - Frequent eye exam depending on the severity of the disease.
Treatment
The
best treatment against vision loss from diabetes is to have frequent eye exams.
Diabetic Retinopathy usually does not show any symptoms in the early stages,
making yearly eye exams crucial.
Recent studies have shown that patients who maintain strict control of their blood sugar will have less chance of vision loss from Diabetic Retinopathy.
Early intervention such as laser surgery, diet and blood pressure control will also help prevent the development and progression of the Diabetic Retinopathy. Dr. Lee personally performs all laser treatments in the office and follows up with the latest digital retina camera to treat Diabetic Retinopathy. Laser treatments can be done usually on the first visit.