Diabetic Retinopathy

Elevated sugar levels caused by diabetes can often damage the tiny blood vessels located in the back of the eye. This damage can result in the vessels becoming leaky, or can result in these blood vessels closing off. Damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye due to diabetes is termed Diabetic Retinopathy.

If the blood vessels become leaky, fluid can collect in the center of vision - the macula. This fluid causes swelling which not only decreases vision but can also cause irritation and permanent damage to this portion of the eye if not treated in a timely fashion. This is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss from diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

If closure of blood vessels in the eye occurs, the eye will become starved for food. The eye responds by growing new blood vessels. However, these new blood vessels are not normal and are very fragile and break easily. This can result in the eye filling up with blood. A small amount of blood is detected by floating spots in the vision. If severe bleeding occurs, a severe and possible complete loss of vision can occur. This blood can be removed by surgery, but often leaves behind scarring and severe damage to the eye.

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy

Damage to the blood vessels in the eye from diabetes can occur before vision changes are noted. For this reason, it is very important that anyone with a diagnosis of diabetes have a dilated eye examination at least once a year. As we have mentioned, the changes from diabetes can be more effectively treated if found at any early stage. At Berks Eye, we use the most advanced instrumentation to detect such serious eye changes from diabetes in order to protect vision and prevent vision loss.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Leaking blood vessels can often be closed by laser surgery if detected early. Swelling in the eye can also be treated with steroids or other medications injected into the eye. These treatments may not reverse damage which has already occurred.

Laser surgery can also be used to shrink the newly growing abnormal blood vessels to prevent severe bleeding into the eye. This has been proven to be a very effective means of preventing vision loss due to this severe complication of diabetes.

However, the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention. Studies have demonstrated that strict control of sugar levels, good control of blood pressure, and control of cholesterol will decrease the chance of developing diabetic retinopathy. This can be accomplished with a combination of diet, exercise and medications.