About
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes
and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when
diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside
the retina (the tissue in the back of the eye).
Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any changes
in your vision at first, but over time it can
get worse and cause vision loss, usually affecting
both eyes.
As diabetic retinopathy advances, new blood vessels
may begin to grow to help nourish the retinal
tissue. Unfortunately, these new vessels are very
fragile and thin and can leak blood into the eye.
If you have this advanced stage, known as proliferative
retinopathy, you may see specks of blood, or spots,
floating in your vision.
It is very important to be examined by your doctor
at the first sign of blurred vision, before more
bleeding occurs. If left untreated, retinopathy
can cause severe vision loss or even blindness.
The earlier you receive treatment, the more likely
treatment will be effective.



Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have a lot of blood in the center of the
eye (in the vitreous gel), you may need a vitrectomy
to restore your sight. A vitrectomy is performed
under local or general anesthesia in a surgery
center or hospital. Your surgeon will create a
tiny incision in your eye. Then a small instrument
will be used to remove the vitreous gel that is
clouded with blood. The gel is then replaced with
a salt solution. Since the vitreous gel is mostly
water, you should notice no difference between
the gel and the salt solution.
Most patients are able to return home after the
procedure is performed. Your eye may be red and
sensitive and you may be required to wear an eye
patch for a few days to protect the eye. You will
also be prescribed medicated eye drops to prevent
infection and inflammation.
The vitrectomy procedure is very effective in
reducing vision loss. Patients with proliferative
retinopathy have less than a five percent chance
of becoming blind within five years when timely
and appropriate treatment is received. Unfortunately,
the procedure does not cure retinopathy. You will
always be at risk for new bleeding, and re-treatment
may be necessary.