In some people, fluid leaks through the damaged vessels, injuring the retina and causing loss of vision

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Published on: 12 Apr 2013 Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) The most common eye disease among people with diabetes High blood sugar levels and high blood pressure (BP) can damage the

1 Published on: 12 Apr 2013 Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) The most common eye disease among people with diabetes High blood sugar levels and high blood pressure (BP) can damage the tiny vessels (capillaries) in the back of eye (retina) In some people, fluid leaks through the damaged vessels, injuring the retina and causing loss of vision Who is at Risk for Developing Diabetic Retinopathy? All diabetics both type1and type 2are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy How Can Diabetes Hurt the Retinas of My Eyes? Retina damage happens slowly. Retinas have tiny blood vessels that are easy to damage First, these tiny blood vessels swell and weaken. Some blood vessels then become clogged and do not let enough blood through. At first, you might not have any loss of sight from these changes What Happens as Diabetes Retina Problems Get Worse?

early diabetic retinopathy diagnosis will help

3 Does DR have any Symptoms? How is Diabetic Retinopathy Detected? Early signs of diabetic retinopathy can be detected with a routine eye exam Getting an early diabetic retinopathy diagnosis will help delay progression of the disease and allow you to seek effective treatment sooner

4 Are there Different Types of Diabetic Retinopathy? There are different stages of diabetic retinopathy, which include Non-proliferative retinopathy (the earliest stage) Macular edema (the middle stage) Proliferative retinopathy (the final stage) Vision in early DR

5 Vision in middle stage of DR Vision in last stage of DR Will DR affect My Daily Life? Yes, DR will have impact on

How will My Diabetic Retinopathy be Treated?

Vitrectomy Vitreous gel filled with blood is removed It is replaced

Diabetic retinopathy treatment has a high success rate Laser

successful at preventing further vision loss Undergoing Vitrectomy

6 How will My Diabetic Retinopathy be Treated? Laser Photocoagulation Laser shrinks the abnormal blood vessels Vitrectomy Vitreous gel filled with blood is removed It is replaced with salt solution How Successful is Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment? Diabetic retinopathy treatment has a high success rate Laser photocoagulation is not intended to improve vision, but is successful at preventing further vision loss Undergoing Vitrectomy surgery will improve vision for most diabetic retinopathy patients who are good candidates for the procedure

What Can I Expect After Laser Treatment? After laser treatment a patch may be placed over the eye You may have temporary side effects such as watery eyes, dilated pupils or a mild headache.

7 What Can I Expect After Laser Treatment? After laser treatment a patch may be placed over the eye You may have temporary side effects such as watery eyes, dilated pupils or a mild headache. Sometimes you will have double vision or blurry vision, and a loss of peripheral or night vision These side effects usually get better with time What Can I Expect After a Vitrectomy? You will probably be able to return home after the vitrectomy Some people stay in the hospital overnight Your eye will be red and sensitive You will need to wear an eye patch for a few days or weeks to protect your eye You will also need to use medicated eye drops to protect against infection What Can I Do if I have Already Lost Some Vision from Diabetic Retinopathy? If you have lost some sight from diabetic retinopathy, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision Are there any Other Eye Problems that Can Happen to Diabetics? What Can I Do to Protect My Vision? If you have diabetes get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year Will I Go Blind if I Suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy? Yes If the disease progresses & is not treated, there is a chance of vision loss

your eye doctor between exams if you have any problems or questions Eat a healthful diet, watch your

8 What Can I do if I have DR? Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure as close to normal as you can Have an annual eye exam, and call your eye doctor between exams if you have any problems or questions Eat a healthful diet, watch your weight, and exercise according to your health care provider's recommendations Quit smoking Rating: Your rating: None Useful video: 0 Source URL:

X-Plain Diabetic Retinopathy Reference Summary

X-Plain Diabetic Retinopathy Reference Summary Introduction Patients with diabetes are more likely to have eye problems that can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eye s retina