Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can cause several health problems, including diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to severe vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy treatment from your eye doctor near you is crucial for preserving your eyesight. Yaryan Eye Care Center in Brookville, Connersville, and Rushville, IN, is here to tell you more about diabetic retinopathy and how we can manage and treat it.
How Diabetes Causes Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar levels result in diabetic retinopathy by causing swelling blood vessels in the retina, which sits at the back of the eye. This swelling leads to blocked blood vessels in the eyes that can leak fluid or bleed. Your eyes then grow new blood vessels that leak or bleed easily, causing dark spots and blurred vision. You may also experience difficulty seeing at night and sudden vision loss in the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Non-Surgical Management and Treatment
Scheduling regular eye exams with your optometrist near you is crucial for catching diabetic retinopathy in the early stages. Since diabetic retinopathy does not usually show noticeable vision changes early on, eye exams help your optometrist catch and manage this condition before it leads to significant vision loss or blindness. Depending on the severity of your diabetic retinopathy, your optometrist may recommend lifestyle adjustments and medication to manage your condition. These may include:
• Managing blood sugar levels
• Getting regular exercise
• Anti-VEGF injections
• Making dietary changes to consume more non-starchy vegetables and lean meats
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment With Surgery
Other treatment options for diabetic retinopathy include laser or other surgeries. Laser surgery targets the areas of the retina with abnormal blood vessels to shrink or prevent the blood vessels from leaking. Another surgical option is a vitrectomy, which involves removing the vitreous gel inside your eyes to give the surgeon access to the retina. Post-surgery, the eye gets refilled with oil or a gas bubble until your body can replace the vitreous gel. Talk with your optometrist to determine if eye surgery is necessary for your diabetic retinopathy. They can refer you to an eye surgeon and provide pre- and post-op care to ensure healthy eyes and vision.
Get Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment at Yaryan Eye Care Center Today
If you have diabetes or other optometry needs and are looking for an “eye doctor near you” in Brookville, Connersville, or Rushville, IN, contact the Yaryan Eye Care Center team. We can evaluate your eyes and help you manage your diabetic retinopathy, so call us at (765) 377-1241 to protect your eye and vision health today.
