Diabetic Retinopathy
Are you struggling with type 1 or type 2 diabetes? Have you noticed your vision starting to decline?
This could be the start of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that negatively impacts your vision.
The doctors at Ohio Vision can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy. Our Sidney, OH, office can help strengthen your ocular health.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy? A Complication of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
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Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects your eyesight and can lead to vision loss. The condition is more common in people who have had type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a long time.
The Causes Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Over time, high blood sugar can block the small blood vessels that lead to the retina, effectively cutting off the retina's blood supply. The eye attempts to create new blood vessels to replace the blocked ones. However, these new blood vessels are not formed properly and easily rupture and leak, causing impaired vision and vision loss.
The Stages Of Diabetic Retinopathy
People might not show any symptoms in the earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics should schedule yearly eye exams even if they have no change in their vision.
Call our doctors right away if you experience blurriness, haziness, or a sudden change of vision.
The Treatments For Diabetic Retinopathy
It is important to seek medical care right away if you are showing any signs of diabetic retinopathy. The team at Ohio Vision in Sidney, OH, can assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to slow progression to PDR or vision loss.
Focal Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)
This procedure slows the leakage by shrinking the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment can be completed in one session and can impede the progress of macular edema. Additional treatments will be needed to restore your vision.
Scatter Laser Treatment (Panretinal Photocoagulation)
This procedure shrinks the abnormal blood vessels through targeted laser burns, focusing on the periphery of the retina rather than the macula. It is effective in stopping leakage but usually takes two or more sessions to complete.
Vitrectomy
This procedure is recommended for those suffering from severe vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. A surgeon will remove blood, fluid, and scar tissue from the gel in the center of your eye (vitreous). Over time, the eye's natural fluid will replace the blood that made your vision cloudy.
The Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy
While the above treatments will help slow the process of NDR, PDR, and macular edema, they will not cure diabetic retinopathy. Certain lifestyle adjustments have to be made to maintain your vision.
Managing Your Diabetes
Managing your blood sugar levels and continuing medications as directed is a good way to maintain good ocular health and overall wellness.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend a healthy diet, daily exercise, quitting smoking, and other wellness plans to improve your health and manage your diabetes.
Monitor Vision Changes
Stay cognizant of any vision changes to help detect diabetic retinopathy in its earliest stages. Annual eye exams can help you get ahead of this condition and maintain your vision.
See Why Sidney Chooses Ohio Vision For Their Eye Care Needs
Virgil Knapke
2019
I am very pleased with the professional services provided by this ophthalmology practice. The doctors and staff members do a great job of explaining treatments and outcomes. Very friendly and helpful in all aspects. Great results.
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Ashley Stetler
2019
The office staff were great! Very helpful with insurance and what to expect coming in. Dr. Wilding is very comforting and fun to be around. For my procedure he was very good with explaining what he was doing and what to expect...
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