CALL US NOW! 303-776-3937
CALL US NOW! 303-776-3937
Complications of diabetes may affect the eye tissue when blood sugar and blood pressure are not kept under control. Elevated blood sugar damages the fine capillary blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In some people, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In some people, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss.
Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of retinopathy where tiny blood vessels within the retina leak blood or fluid causing it to swell or form deposits called exudates. Mild NPDR often has no affect to vision. When vision is affected, however, it is the result of damage to the macula, a small area in the center of the retina. This retinal area allows for clear vision of very fine details.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is when abnormal new blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina or optic nerve. The new vessel growth is called neovascularization. When there is widespread closure of retinal blood vessels preventing adequate blood flow, the retina responds by growing new blood vessels in an attempt to supply more blood to the area where the original vessels closed.
Dr. Robinson may
prescribe treatment for diabetic retinopathy with injections of medication, steroids or laser surgery. In advanced cases, a microsurgical procedure (vitrectomy) is performed to replace the blood filled vitreous with a clear solution. The best treatment is early prevention of the condition by controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.
Phone: 303-776-3937
Address: 500 Coffman Street, Suite 109 Longmont, Colorado 80501
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