Diabetic Eye Care Diagnosis and Treatment

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. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined routinely with a dilated ye exam. 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.

Dr. Kinnas performing an Angiogram Click image to enlarge

A fluorescein angiogram may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and/or aid in treatment planning. Indications that an occlusion is present include hemorrhage (bleeding in the eye), macular edema (swelling of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision), macular ischemia (irreversible closing-off of capillaries and consequent loss of blood supply) and neovascularization (compensatory growth of new blood vessels that can cause further damage such as bleeding, glaucoma and retinal detachment). These conditions occur with varying severity depending on the extent of the blockage. The initial bleeding often obscures other symptoms for three to six months or longer. The patient is monitored during this time until the hemorrhage clears.

Treatments for diabetic retinopathy depend on the stage of the disorder. In many cases treatment is conducted with laser to the area of damage to seal and contain it. The laser can be performed in the office and without incision to the inside chambers of the eye.

In severe cases of diabetic retinopathy surgery in the hospital may be required if the disorder is far advanced.