1.  Introduction     (back to top)

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, control your blood pressure, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

2.  Understanding the Normal Eye     (back to top)

Understanding the normal eye     Espanol  

3.  Types:  Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy     (back to top)

Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy    Espanol  

Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is characterized by dot blot hemorrhages:

 

4.  Types:  Macular Edema and Ischemic Diabetic Retionpathy     (back to top)

Macular edema and ischemia diabetic retinopathy      Espanol  

Diabetic retinopathy with macular edema is characterized by pinpoint leakages within the central area of the retina called the macula. This leakage results in swelling ((edema).

Fluorescein angiography (B&W above) is important in evaluating this condition.

5.  Types:  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy     (back to top)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy      Espanol  

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is characterized by abnormal new blood  vessel formations called neovascularization of the disc (NVD) and neovascularization elsewhere (NVE).

6.  Types:  Vitreous Hemorrahage     (back to top)

Vitreous hemorrhage      Espanol  

When PDR vessels bleed the interior vitreous cavity of the eye fills with blood. This condition is a vitreous hemorrhage.

7.  Diagnostic Testing:  Fluroescein Angiopgraphy     (back to top)

Fluorescein Angiography      Espanol  

A fluorescein angiogram is an in digital diagnostic test we use to better evaluate and treat retinopathy.

8.  Diagnostic Testing:  Ultrasound     (back to top)

Ultrasound     Espanol  

While non proliferative retinopathy can be observed the other forms may require laser, injectional, intraocular intervention or combinations of all three.

9.  Treatment:  Macular Edema and Ischemia/Focal Laser     (back to top)

Macular edema and ischemia/Focal laser      Espanol  

The macular swelling on the left is absorbed after the pigmented focal laser scar sets in as seen on the left.

10.  Treatment:  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy/PRP Laser    (back to top)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy/PRP laser      Espanol  

Pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is an in office laser treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

11.  Treatment:  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy/Anti-VEGF Injections     (back to top)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy/Anti-VEGF Injections      Espanol  

12.  Treatment:  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy/Vitrectomy     (back to top)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy/Vitrectomy       Espanol  

A vitrectomy is an operative suite surgical procedure to remove blood and repair diabetic retinal damage.