Diabetes is a disease that can affect other systems in your body and cause vision loss. At Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, we can help provide treatment for conditions related to diabetes, such as diabetic retinotopy. Learn more about this condition and how it is treated below:
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that occurs in those who have diabetes. As diabetes progresses, it can damage small blood vessels. Some of those small blood vessels are located in your retina. These blood vessels may leak blood and other fluids, which can cause vision loss. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, new blood vessels that grow in your eyes may cause scarring. The scarring can affect fluid flow in your eyes and eventually damage your optic nerves.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
While diabetic retinopathy can cause blurry vision, it can also lead to blindness. If you are experiencing any sudden vision changes, we recommend consulting with our ophthalmologists. Diabetic retinopathy can sometimes be difficult to detect in the early stages, as the symptoms are subtle. Once the condition has reached a late stage, you may experience dark spots or streaks in your vision. When you visit us for eye exams regularly, we can help detect the condition in the early stages and provide you with prompt treatment. Along with this, it is important to schedule an appointment with us as soon as you notice any changes in your vision.
How Can an Eye Doctor Treat Diabetic Retinopathy?
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on when it is detected. Our ophthalmologists may not need to provide treatment in the early stages. Instead, we may provide guidance on how you can manage your diabetes, as this will slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy. If the diabetic retinopathy is more severe, it is treated with endothelial growth factor inhibitors. These injections prevent new blood vessels from growing and prevent further damage from occurring to your eyes. Our ophthalmologist may recommend laser treatment to reduce retinal swelling. Surgery may also be required if you experience vision loss due to excessive scar tissue.
Contact us for Treatment Today
At Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, we can help manage or treat diabetic retinopathy. When you visit us, we will perform an eye exam for an accurate diagnosis and provide you with the necessary treatment that can slow down the progression of the disease. To schedule your appointment, contact us at (919) 942-8701 today!