Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can cause many complications in the body, and that includes the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are common diabetic eye diseases that, when left untreated, can cause permanent vision loss. Luckily, the eye doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton are experts at recognizing and treating diabetic eye disease, ensuring you reap the rewards of healthy vision for years to come.
Types of Diabetic Eye Disease
Elevated blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your eyes and can cause two different types of diabetic eye disease: diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Both conditions can cause lasting damage to your eyes, and symptoms often go unnoticed until irreversible damage has occurred, making regular diabetic eye exams essential for preserving your sight.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This disease usually impacts both eyes and occurs in two unique stages:
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy in which the blood vessels swell and leak, affecting the circulation of blood to the retina. During this stage, retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms are common, and while treatment may not yet be needed, it does indicate the need for a more thorough eye exam and monitoring to identify and treat its progression as necessary.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, occurring when circulation to the retina is significantly reduced and abnormal blood vessels begin to grow. These new blood vessels are fragile and often bleed in front of the retina (a vitreous hemorrhage). Mild vitreous hemorrhage may cause dark floaters, while more severe hemorrhage can cause complete vision loss. The new blood vessels formed in this stage can also form scar tissue, pulling on the retina and leading to detachment, or forming in front of the eye and causing a type of severe glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. The PDR stage of diabetic retinopathy is a very serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that is caused by ongoing damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. This leads to swelling in the central part of the retina, the macula. DME often develops gradually over time, and as fluid accumulates due to leaking blood vessels, the macula swells and causes distorted or blurred vision. Other symptoms of DME include:
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Dark or empty spots in vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Straight lines appearing wavy
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, patients usually do not show symptoms, and treatment is not always required. Patients have to monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent the condition from worsening. If it does, prompt treatment is necessary to preserve vision.
Patients who develop diabetic retinopathy may not, at first, notice any changes to their vision. In its earliest stages, the condition causes tiny areas of swelling in the small blood vessels of the retina. Once symptoms are present, they include the following:
- Blurred or double vision
- Seeing flashing lights, blank spot or dark floaters
- Pain or pressure in either or both eyes
- Problems with peripheral vision
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?
Diabetic eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes the following tests. Before beginning these tests, your CVP eye doctor will apply eye drops containing a stain so they can see the blood vessels more clearly.
- Visual acuity test
- Dilated eye exam
- Tonometry test
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiogram
The eye care professionals at CVP Physicians Dayton have ample experience in diagnosing diabetic eye conditions and can ensure you receive the best treatment for your unique needs.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options at CVP Physicians Dayton
Beyond controlling your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, treatment is not required during the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy. However, once you reach the more advanced PDR stage, CVP Physicians Dayton offers a few treatment options to help you maintain your vision and quality of life.
Intraocular Steroid Injections
Intraocular steroid injection is a treatment option for diabetic macular edema and other complications of diabetic retinopathy. This procedure involves injecting corticosteroid medication directly into the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye) to help reduce inflammation and prevent fluid leakage into the retina. This treatment is often recommended instead of or in addition to anti-VEGF therapy.
Laser Treatment (Panretinal Photocoagulation)
Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP), also known as scatter laser treatment, is a procedure that uses a high-energy laser to shrink abnormal blood vessels in the retina. The heat from the laser can also help bond the retina to the back of the eye to prevent retinal detachment. It is primarily used for treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the advanced stage where fragile, abnormal blood vessels form and threaten vision. A different laser procedure can be performed to help reduce the amount of fluid leaking into your retina in cases of diabetic macular edema.
Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure performed in an operating room to remove blood, scar tissue, or vitreous gel that is blocking vision or causing retinal problems. It is commonly used to treat advanced diabetic retinopathy when other treatments are not effective. This procedure can also be used to repair retinal detachment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Retinopathy
Is there a cure for diabetic retinopathy?
While there is no permanent cure for diabetic retinopathy, early detection and the advanced treatment options offered by CVP Physicians Dayton can significantly reduce your risk of progressive vision loss and serious, life-altering vision impairments. In many patients, treatment can significantly improve vision. You can trust the experts at CVP Physicians Dayton to help you find the best treatment option to manage your diabetic eye disease.
Can I prevent diabetic retinopathy?
While it is not always possible to prevent diabetic eye disease, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and prevent vision loss. This includes yearly comprehensive eye exams, continuous monitoring and management of blood sugar levels, a healthy diet and exercise routine, and avoiding smoking.
Does it matter what type of diabetes I have?
Patients with any type of diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends that those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes start yearly exams right away, while patients with Type 1 diabetes (sometimes called juvenile diabetes) should start annual eye exams no later than five years after their diagnosis.
How do I know which diabetic retinopathy treatment is right for me?
At CVP Physicians Dayton, we understand that diabetic eye disease can be worrisome and confusing. We’re dedicated to educating you about treatment options and creating a plan to manage your vision, creating a personalized care plan to manage your unique vision. Treating diabetic retinopathy early can significantly reduce the chances of long-term damage, and the most important thing you can do for your eye health is scheduling yearly eye exams. Contact us today to get started.
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89 Sylvania Drive
Dayton OH, 45440
6601 Centerville Business Parkway
Dayton OH, 45459
77 East Woodbury Drive
Dayton OH, 45415
580 North Main Street
Springboro OH, 45066
1861 Towne Park Drive
Troy OH, 45373
Book an Appointment for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
The diabetic eye care experts at our Dayton, Springboro, and Greater Ohio eye care clinics offer personalized care and the most advanced diabetic retinopathy treatment options to ensure your vision remains clear. Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.
The doctors at CVP Physicians Dayton have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.