Services at Medical Vision Institute

Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluations and Treatment at Medical Vision Institute

Those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are susceptible to developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Many patients with this particular ocular complication trust the MVI staff in assisting them in their eye care. Yearly and bi-yearly eye exams with dilation are highly encouraged for those with diabetes — even if your vision seems fine. Medical Vision Institute has comprehensive experiences in evaluating and treating patients who suffer from this disease in Lexington and surrounding areas.

Diabetes Mellitus is a systemic disorder of uncontrolled blood sugar that can have many serious effects on the eye. The chronically high blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults.

Signs & Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Vision loss

Poorly controlled blood sugar can cause fluctuations of vision due to changes in the focusing power of the eye. Cataracts, glaucoma and a serious complication known as “retinal ischemia” are commonly found in diabetic people. Retinal diseases or retinopathy usually starts several years after the onset of diabetes so regular dilated retinal examinations should be performed every 6 to 12 months.


Neovascularization & Macular Edema

Diabetes can also cause decreased blood supply to the retina which results in the growth of new abnormal blood vessels or “neovascularization.” These vessels can rupture and bleed, leading to hemorrhages inside the eye which may then lead to scarring and other complications such as retinal detachment. Early treatment of neovascularization can reduce the risk of vision loss.

Another retinal complication of diabetes is “macular edema” which describes fluid buildup in the central part of the retina causing decreased vision. Long-standing macular edema can lead to permanent central vision loss so early intervention is strongly recommended.


Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment at MVI

Both of these types of retinopathies can initially be treated by in-office laser therapy.

Neovascularization is treated by “pan-retinal photocoagulation” in which the peripheral retina is treated with numerous laser applications to preserve the central retina. Macular edema is treated with a “focal” laser in which the leaking blood vessels in the center of the retina are treated with a small number of low-power laser applications. It is important to understand that either type of treatment may not improve vision and have the potential to even reduce vision, but they are necessary to reduce the risk of the condition progressing and causing other complications or even permanent blindness.

The best way to control diabetic eye disease is through prevention- this means good control of your blood sugar and keeping your appointments for regular eye examinations.

Schedule an appointment today!

Commonly Asked Questions about Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals with diabetes most commonly experience diabetic retinopathy. This diabetic eye disease is the major cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20 to 74 in the United States. Although, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss, early detection and appropriate treatment with follow-up care may help reduce the effects of the disease.

The MVI staff uses state-of-the-art technology to look inside your eyes and assess your retinas. If diabetic retinopathy is present, it cannot be cured but it can be managed. Vision loss can be slowed thanks to certain medications which can prevent new leaky blood vessel growth and reduce inflammation. If surgery is indicated, our team can provide pre- and post-operative care.

Unfortunately, you may have had this condition for a long time before signs and symptoms develop. Many symptoms will include blurry or double vision and floaters. It is important to have your eyes evaluated regularly because by the time symptoms develop, the disease may have progressed significantly.

The small blood vessels behind the retinas become leaky, irritated, and damaged (incidentally, the same thing can happen to blood vessels and other connective tissues all over the body, due to the inflammatory effect that excessive sugar has on the body). This leads to progressive scarring and damage to the retinas.

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