Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes can cause multiple problems in the eyes of patients, especially those whose blood sugars are not well-controlled. Early cataract formation and refractive changes often happen in diabetic patients but the majority of changes occur in the retina. Chronic high sugar levels in the blood lead to damage in the small blood vessels of the retina over time. Once damaged, they can leak fluid into the retina which becomes swollen in a condition called macular edema. This swelling leads to major deterioration in central vision. In addition, further changes in the vasculature can lead to the growth of fragile new blood vessels in the back of the eye. These vessels rupture causing bleeding into the vitreous gel inside the eye and a shower of floaters. Many of these sight-threatening complications of diabetes can be prevented with careful followup eye exams and strict blood sugar control. Some patients require laser treatments to the eye or an injection of medication into the vitreous gel. Occasionally some patients may even require surgery to clear out the blood in the vitreous. We customize our treatment plans for diabetes and actively work in partnership with primary care doctors and endocrinologists in order to assess control and compliance and avoid as much further retinal damage as possible.