Carolinas Centers For Sight

Diabetic Retinopathy | Retinal Detachment | Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in blood vessels of the retina.

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk. Between 40 and 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. That is why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, nor is there any pain. For this reason, diabetics should have dilated eye exams every year. No treatment is needed unless there is macular edema or bleeding inside the eye. To prevent progression of the disease, diabetics should control their levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.

In advanced stages or proliferative retinopathy, you may see specks of blood "floating" in your vision. If these are seen, an appointment should be made immediately with Carolinas Centers for Sight. If left untreated, proliferative retinopathy can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. The earlier it is treated, the more likely treatment will be effective. Scatter laser surgery is used to shrink the abnormal blood vessels in one or more treatment sessions.

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