Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of loss of vision in the United States. Retinopathy (damage to the retina) occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
In the early stages of the disease, known as Background Diabetic Retinopathy, there is leakage of blood and fluid from the weakened blood vessels. This may cause no change in vision or may result in blurred or distorted vision.
The second and more severe type is Neovascular in nature. This means that new, abnormal blood vessels have formed. The new blood vessels are fragile and, thereby tend to leak, causing hemorrhaging in the eye.
Both types of retinopathies may be treated with lasers and medication by a Retinal specialist in our office.
We strongly recommend diabetics have a yearly eye examination.
