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Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of Diabetes that is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the eye. The retina is a nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and helps to send images to the brain. When blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they may leak fluid or blood, and grow fragile, brush-like branches and scar tissue. This can blur or distort the images that the retina sends to the brain. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of new blindness among adults in the U.S. People with untreated Diabetes are said to be 25 times more at risk for blindness than the general population. The best protection against Diabetic Retinopathy is regular eye exams by your ophthalmologist. Serious Retinopathy can be present without any symptoms. To find Diabetic Retinopathy, the ophthalmologist looks inside the eye with an ophthalmoscope. If the disease is detected, he may order color photographs of the retina or a special test called a Fluorescein Angiography to find out if you need treatment. In order to treat Diabetic Retinopathy, your ophthalmologist will consider your age, medical history, lifestyle, and damage to the retina. In many cases, treatment is not necessary, but you will need to continue having regular eye exams. In other cases, treatment is recommended to stop the damage of Diabetic Retinopathy and improve sight whenever possible. Laser Surgery is often helpful in treating Diabetic Retinopathy. A powerful beam of laser light is focused on the damaged retina. Small bursts of the laser's beam seal leaking retinal vessels to reduce macular edema. This is called Photocoagulation. For abnormal blood vessel growth (Neovascularization), the laser beam bursts are scattered thoughout the side areas of the retina. The small laser scars reduce the abnormal blood vessel growth and help bond the retina to the back of the eye, preventing retinal detachment. Laser surgery can be performed in your ophthalmologist's office or an out-patient clinic. If detected early, laser surgery slows down vision loss. Even in the more advanced stages of the disease (Proliferative Retinopathy), it reduces the chance of severe visual impairment. Cryotherapy: If the vitreous is clouded by blood, laser surgery cannot be used until the blood settles or clears. In some cases of bleeding into the vitreous, Cryotherapy (freezing) of the retina may help shrink the abnormal blood vessels. Vitrectomy: In advanced Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, the ophthalmologist may recommend a Vitrectomy. This microsurgical procedure is performed in the operating room. Vitrectomy removed the blood-filled vitreous and replaced it with a clear solution. About 70% of Vitrectomy patients notice an improvement in sight after surgery. Sometimes the ophthalmologist may wait from several months to a year to see if the blood clears on its own before performing the Vitrectomy. Retinal Repair: If scar tissue detaches the retina from the back of the eye, severe sight loss or blindness can result unless surgery is performed to reattach the retina. What is your part in the treatment? Successful care of Diabetic Retinopathy depends on more than early treatment. Your attitude and attention to medications and diet are essential. You must maintain blood sugar levels, avoid smoking, and watch your blood pressure. If you have any questions or would like further information, contact your ophthamologist. |
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