Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease affecting individuals with diabetes, often leading to vision impairment if untreated. At Sawyer Scott Eyecare, we specialize in helping patients manage and prevent diabetic retinopathy through personalized care.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. The disease progresses through several stages, starting with mild symptoms and advancing to more severe conditions that can cause vision loss. Key signs of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, floaters, and difficulty seeing at night.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy develops in four stages:
- Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Small areas of blood vessel swelling, which can leak fluid into the retina.
- Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Increased swelling and blockage of retinal vessels, reducing blood flow.
- Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: A greater number of vessels become blocked, leading to restricted blood flow and causing areas of the retina to suffer.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): The most advanced stage, where new blood vessels form but are weak, causing further complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma.
Sawyer Scott Eyecare offers comprehensive exams to detect these stages early, enabling timely treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options
Our optometrists provide several treatments depending on the stage and severity:
- Laser Therapy: Reduces swelling and seals leaking blood vessels.
- Injections: Anti-VEGF injections prevent abnormal blood vessels from forming.
- Surgery: For advanced stages, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue and prevent retinal detachment.
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
Preventive measures are essential for patients with diabetes. Regular eye exams at Sawyer Scott Eyecare are crucial for detecting any early signs of retinopathy. Additional lifestyle changes, such as managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, also play a significant role in reducing the risk of severe diabetic retinopathy.
Schedule Your Exam at Sawyer Scott Eyecare
Diabetic retinopathy can progress silently, so regular eye check-ups are vital. Schedule your appointment with our team today to discuss your personalized diabetic eye care plan. Early detection and treatment can help protect your vision for years to come.