Astigmatism
Blepharitis
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis (Pink
Eye)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye Syndrome
Glaucoma
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Keratoconus
Macular Degeneration
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Presbyopia (Reading
Vision)
Retinal Detachment |
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of
diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. It
occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood
vessels inside the retina (the tissue in the
back of the eye). Anyone with diabetes is at
risk to develop retinopathy, and approximately
45% of Americans with diabetes have some stage
of retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any changes
in your vision at first, but over time it can
get worse and cause vision loss, usually
affecting both eyes. It does not usually have
any early warning signs, so don't wait for
symptoms.
As diabetic retinopathy advances, new blood
vessels may begin to grow to help nourish the
retinal tissue. Unfortunately, these new vessels
are very fragile and thin and can leak blood
into the eye. If you have this advanced stage,
known as proliferative retinopathy, you may see
specks of blood, or spots, floating in your
vision.
It is very important to be examined by your
doctor at the first sign of blurred vision,
before more bleeding occurs. If left untreated,
retinopathy can cause severe vision loss or even
blindness. A common treatment for leaking blood
vessels is laser surgery, which will place
several hundred small laser burns around the
area of leakage and can help reduce the risk of
vision loss by up to 50%. The earlier you
receive treatment, the more likely treatment
will be effective.
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