Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of the eyes that can develop if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina.
Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic eye disease, that is why it is so important to have a dilated comprehensive eye exam. If you have early diabetic retinopathy often no treatment will be needed, other than more frequent dilated exams. Controlling blood sugar level and maintaining a lower A1C really helps in reducing the side effects of diabetes in the eye and throughout the rest of the body.
Early detection and treatment of advanced diabetic eye disease will dramatically reduce your chance of experiencing permanent vision loss. We will refer you to a retinal specialist if you have any advanced changes in your retinopathy or significant macular edema.