Diabetic Retinopathy &
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes affects several organs in the body, including the eye. After 15 years with diabetes, about 10% of people will suffer severe vision loss and 2% will develop blindness. This is a result of diabetic eye disease being diagnosed & treated too late. However, vision loss and blindness are preventable if treated timely & properly.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The retina is a light sensitive membrane with light-sensitive nerves along the back of the eye. These nerve endings send messages to the brain through the optic nerve. The retina is supplied by a rich network of small delicate blood vessels. Diabetes causes small pockets and blockages in these vessels. These small pockets become weak and can burst, releasing blood and fluid over the retina. This blood will block the membrane's ability to receive light. Also, the extra fluid can cause swelling which interferes with the optic nerve's ability to transmit messages to the brain.
Causes:
Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by blood sugar (glucose) levels that are too high over an extended period of time, which causes damage to the small blood vessels of the retina.
Symptoms:
In early diabetic eye disease there are no symptoms. However, Dr. Yalon can detect diabetic changes in your blood vessels and start treatment before any visual impairment occurs. Once bleeding occurs, vision can be impaired permanently.
Treatment:
The eye specialists at the Hallandale Eye Center may use a special laser beam to seal the blood vessels of the retina and stop them from leaking. Early detection and treatment are very important so be sure to schedule regular eye check-ups at least once a year to chart your eye health. In addition, managing your blood sugar can slow the progress of the disease.
If you notice any rapid changes or gradual blurring in your vision, it’s important to contact the Hallandale Eye Center. Whether you live in cities across South Florida, including Miami, Aventura, Sunny-Isles, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, or Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Yalon of the Hallandale Eye Center is a widely experienced Eye Doctor & the Chief of Ophthalmology for Memorial Healthcare.