Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have any type of diabetes, you might end up with diabetic retinopathy. The risk for diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you suffer from diabetes. However, controlling diabetes reduces the risk. It must also be noted women who are diabetic and become pregnant and those who develop gestational diabetes face an elevated risk for diabetic retinopathy. The eye doctors at Expert Eyecare check for diabetic retinopathy with a dilated eye exam. Specialized eye drops are used to dilate the pupil so the eyes can be analyzed for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

If our eye doctor, Dr. William Burnett, O.D., determines you are in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, your eyes will be monitored in the months and years ahead to determine whether the condition is worsening. If you are in the later stages of diabetic retinopathy, prompt treatment will be necessary. You can do your part by taking the steps necessary to keep your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure under control. Injecting medicines known as anti-VEGF drugs, has the potential to reverse or slow diabetic retinopathy. Additional medicines known as corticosteroids will also help. Laser treatment reduces swelling within the retina, helping to shrink the blood vessels and put a halt to leaking.

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy, make an appointment with one of our doctors and visit: http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy?sso=y