Vision Correction Surgery

in Visalia, Fresno and Tulare, California

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eye that comes about as an effect of diabetes. Diabetes can make the blood vessels in the retina leak. This can reduce your fine vision and cause floaters, which can be seen as tiny particles or fibers floating across your field of vision. Floaters seen once in a while are generally nothing to worry about. However, a sudden heavy burst of floaters, or floaters occurring more often then usual, should be looked into by your eye care specialist.

There are three stages of the disease:

• Early Nonproliferative (Background) - At this stage, there is no pain and vision is normal. The retinal blood vessels may bleed slightly and there may be some fluid leaking.
• Advanced Nonproliferative - At this stage, fluid is being leaked into the macular tissue of the retina. The retina swells, causing vision problems.
• Proliferative - At this stage, vision could be normal or severely reduced. Growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the retina and into the vitreous can cause retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and even blindness.

What Can Be Done About It?

The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy is to catch it early. Regular examinations with your eye care specialist, as well as being alert to any changes in your vision, can help you detect a case of diabetic retinopathy before it can do too much damage. There are different tests and treatments required for the three stages of diabetic retinopathy:

• Early Nonproliferative - A flourescein angiogram may be needed to determine the extent of bleeding and fluid leakage during this stage. The doctor will tell you when to return for further testing. At this point, laser surgery is unnecessary.
• Advanced Nonproliferative - A flourescein angiogram will be taken to determine the extent of bleeding and fluid leakage. At this point, laser surgery can be used to seal off new blood vessels and dry the swollen retina, which may improve or stabilize your vision.
• Proliferative - A flourescein angiogram will be taken to determine the extent of bleeding and fluid leakage. Additionally, an ophthalmic ultrasound will most likely be taken to determine if a retinal detachment has occurred or is a risk. Lasers can be applied in many spots on the retina to halt progression of the disease. In some cases, laser treatment is ineffective, and a vitrectomy may be required. In that procedure, the vitreous is removed and replaced with a clear salt solution similar to the original vitreous.

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