What is Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
From biology, we know that the retina is the membrane covering the back of the eye, and it is a light-sensitive part that sends the brain signals through the optic nerve. A high blood sugar level causes blockage of the tiny blood vessels that lead to the retina, resulting in leaks or bleeding.
Diabetes causes diabetic retinopathy, which is an eye ailment. It is a condition in which the blood vessels in the retina deteriorate. Without proper treatment, this condition can escalate, causing several eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and vision loss. You can reduce your risk of developing the condition by controlling your blood sugar level, exercising, and stopping tobacco use.
Kindly keep reading to find out the available diabetic retinopathy treatment in Monterey, CA.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is the primary cause of diabetic retinopathy. When high blood sugar blocks the tiny blood vessels leading to the retina, it cuts off blood supply and weakens it.
Risk factors amplifying the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include:
- Uncontrolled blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Having diabetes for an extended period
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy is not present with symptoms in its early stages. The symptoms are more noticeable when the condition is more advanced. Nevertheless, our ophthalmologist in 93940 may pick up early signs during a regular diabetic eye screening.
Some of the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Impaired color vision
- Floating shapes in your line of vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Redness or pain in the eyes
- Trouble reading or seeing far objects
Although these symptoms are not a confirmation of diabetic retinopathy, it is best to visit an eye care center near you to check them out.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
The treatment plan for this condition at Eye MD Monterey – Cass St. depends on the condition’s severity and response to previous treatments. In addition, it is essential to note that treatment for this condition is not a cure. Therefore, you still need to visit your ophthalmologist in 93940 for regular eye exams after treatment. Below are methods doctors use for diabetic retinopathy treatment in Monterey, CA:
Laser Treatment
A doctor treats diabetic retinopathy in an eye clinic using a laser. During the treatment, your doctor will target the blood vessels in the eye, shrinking them and sealing leaks. Although laser treatment may stop or reduce blood leakage and fluid buildup in the eye, you’ll most likely need more than one treatment session.
Furthermore, because the treatment involves using a strong beam of light, you may feel a stinging sensation and experience blurry vision for the rest of the day. Before undergoing this treatment, your ophthalmologist in 93940 will discuss its relative benefits and risks.
Eye Injections
Eye injections minimize swelling and leakage of blood vessels in the eyes. During this treatment, your doctor will numb your eye with eye-numbing medicine and clean your eye to prevent infections before using a tiny needle to place the necessary treatment.
With eye injections, you may need regular treatments. However, the frequency of getting these injections reduces over time
Eye Surgery
Eye surgery, otherwise known as vitrectomy, removes some of the vitreous from the eye. Usually, a surgeon performs this surgery under general anesthesia while finding and repairing any source of retinal bleeding
After removing the vitreous, the surgeon will replace it with a clear liquid or gas, which the body absorbs over time, creating a new vitreous.
You will need to wear an eye patch for about a day after the surgery and reduce swelling and prevent infections with eye drops.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss without proper treatment. Depending on the stage of the condition, you may need to control your blood sugar levels or get laser treatment or eye surgery.
Therefore, if you have diabetes, it is best to visit or book an appointment with our eye care center near you for regular diabetic eye screening for early detection and appropriate treatment.