DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetes often causes damage to small blood vessels throughout the body, including the retina. The retina receives light and transmits visual information to the brain, much like the film in a camera. Diabetes can also cause early development of cataracts and increase the risk of glaucoma. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of decreased vision and blindness.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
In diabetes, the small blood vessels that are damaged can leak fluid or blood into the retina or into the eye itself. Damage from this process is seen in two forms of diabetic retinopathy: background diabetic retinopathy (BDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In BDR, the more common form of retinopathy, the leakage from small blood vessels causes swelling in the retina and macula and the formation of deposits called exudates. These changes cause the retina to malfunction, which can lead to decreased vision. PDR begins when new abnormal blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina. These fragile vessels often bleed into the retina or into the vitreous, the gel that fills the inside of the eyeball. PDR and BDR can cause significant vision loss.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
In the early stages, there are few to no symptoms. There may be a slight decrease in the clarity of vision, but, in many cases, vision remains quite good. This makes it essential that diabetic changes be detected by a complete, dilated-eye examination. As the disease progresses or if bleeding occurs, vision may become very cloudy or blurred with floaters.
Diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy
Paden Eye Care Center offers comprehensive eye exams to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. When indicated, the blood vessels and swelling are further evaluated with the Spectralis® Heidelberg Retina Angiograph and Optical Coherence Tomograph (HRT OCT) unit. This innovative diagnostic tool provides Dr. Paden with the most accurate information possible regarding the health of the vessels and the retina.
When leaking blood vessels occur, Dr. Paden can treat them with intravitreal injections of the latest specialized medications. Dr. Paden also treats macular edema, which is a swelling of the retina caused by leaking fluid from the blood vessels in the macula. He was the first ophthalmologist in Medford, OR to offer treatment for macular edema and has pioneered improvements in focal laser techniques.
In more advanced retinopathy or if bleeding into the vitreous occurs, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be necessary. Dr. Paden recommends surgical treatment only after other options have been exhausted. He coordinates his patients’ surgeries with a board-certified retina surgeon.
The best way to minimize the possibility of complications from diabetes is preventive care. The risks of vision loss from diabetes can be reduced with periodic retinal evaluation and by maintaining good general health. Studies have shown that proper control of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight can help preserve vision.
For more information on diabetic retinopathy, please visit our Patient Education Library or call Paden Eye Care Center today at (541) 776-9026. To request an Appointment Online please click here.
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