Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. It is caused by damage to or change in the blood vessels of the retina. Sometimes these blood vessels swell or leak fluid and in other cases, abnormal new blood vessels grow onto the retina’s surface.

It is estimated that approximately 2 million Canadians have some form of diabetic retinopathy.

Risk Factors

Patients with all types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 and gestational) are at a risk for diabetic retinopathy. Other risk factors include:

  • The duration of diabetes - the longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.
  • Unregulated blood sugar levels
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking

Diagnosis

Diabetic retinopathy can only be diagnosed through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This involves several vision tests including:

  • A visual acuity test
  • Tonometry (measuring eye pressure)
  • Pupil dilation

Such eye exams allow eye doctors to detect the early signs of this eye condition and successfully diagnose and treat it. These symptoms include:

  • Leaking or damaged blood vessels
  • Damaged nerve tissues
  • Fatty deposits on the retina
  • Macular Edema

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are several treatment options available for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the specific situation, these can be used individually or in combination to provide the best results.

  • Corticosteroids
  • Focal/Grid Macular Laser Surgery
  • Vitrectomy

Share This Post:

Related Posts

How Early Eye Exams Help Kids Succeed in School

How Early Eye Exams Help Kids Succeed in School

Seeing Clearly Sets the Stage for Learning  When children struggle with reading, focusing, or paying attention in…

Seeing Clearly Sets the Stage for Learning  When children struggle with reading, focusing, or paying attention in…

How Calgary Optometrists Prepare You for Laser Eye Surgery Success

How Calgary Optometrists Prepare You for Laser Eye Surgery Success

If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be the solution for clear, long-term…

If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be the solution for clear, long-term…

A Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Contact Lenses: Tips for First-Time Users

A Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Contact Lenses: Tips for First-Time Users

Making the Switch to Contact Lenses  If you’ve recently decided to try contact lenses, you may feel both excited…

Making the Switch to Contact Lenses  If you’ve recently decided to try contact lenses, you may feel both excited…

Contact Us

Questions? Comments? Call us today at (403) 280-7518 or fill out the form below:

Have Questions? Call Us Today At

Call Us

Book Appointment

TopAboutBlogContact
TopBlogAppointmentContact