Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in the United States. Tragically, this form of blindness is completely preventable with proper control of diabetes and with yearly eye examinations through dilated pupils at Miami Eye Center.
Diabetes negatively affects the body’s blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid, blood, and protein. In the eye, this leakage is seen in the retina as retinal bleeding and swelling. This blood and swelling interferes with the normal function of the eye, resulting in decreased vision. If this condition is not corrected, vision loss can be permanent. This type of retinopathy is called background, or non-proliferative retinopathy.
Eventually, the abnormal blood vessels in the eye begin to grow. These abnormally growing blood vessels are very fragile, and especially prone to bleeding. They may also cause a large, sudden hemorrhage, called a vitreous hemorrhage. A vitreous hemorrhage can result in rapid complete loss of vision. Usually, this visual loss is not permanent, but vision may not return to normal after this hemorrhage. This type of retinopathy is called proliferative retinopathy.
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is PREVENTION. All diabetics should check their own blood sugar daily and record the results in a journal. This journal should be shown to the primary medical doctor at each follow-up visit so that tight control of blood sugar can be achieved. This means that all fasting blood sugar measurements should fall within a very narrow range. If your blood sugar tends to fluctuate, your doctor must adjust your medications and your diet to optimize control of your diabetes. This is the best way to prevent blindness from Diabetic Retinopathy. These problems will continue to recur, however, as long as the diabetes is not medically controlled.
| Excision and Drainage Treatment at a Glance | |
| Cataract | Diabetes can cause premature development of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, causing blurred vision, glare, and difficulty focusing. |
| Glaucoma | The abnormal vessels in proliferative retinopathy are not limited to the retina of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels may also grow on the iris of the eye and cover the drainage angle. The blockage of the drainage angle results in accumulation of aqueous humor fluid in the eye, increased pressure in the eye, and, ultimately, in a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. |
At Miami Eye Center, Dr. Joseph Selem will meet with you during your private consultation to assess your individual situation. Dr. Selem can help you decide which diabetic retinopathy treatment in Miami is right for you. See the beauty in yourself and the world around you in crisp, clear detail today! Request an appointment online or call Dr. Joseph Selem and the staff at Miami Eye Center at 305-444-0221 to schedule your private consultation.
