Diabetic Retinopathy Care
Diabetic Retinopathy Care in Union NJ
Diabetic retinopathy can damage the blood vessels in the retina and may threaten vision, often without symptoms in its early stages. Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides diabetic eye exams and diabetic retinopathy care in Union, NJ.
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Board-Certified Ophthalmologist | Diabetic Eye Care | Insurance Accepted | Union, NJ
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy? Symptoms to Look For
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina in people with diabetes. These vessels can leak, become blocked or develop abnormal new blood vessels. Early diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, making regular diabetic eye exams especially important.
Increasing numbers of floaters
Blurry or changing vision
Dark or blank areas in your vision
Poor night vision
Colors appearing faded
Vision loss
Vision changes may develop as diabetic retinopathy progresses, even though the condition can be present before you notice anything wrong.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar associated with diabetes damages the small blood vessels that supply the retina. Damaged vessels may become blocked, leak fluid or bleed. The retina may also develop abnormal new blood vessels that can leak or bleed easily.
Factors associated with diabetic retinopathy and vision loss include:
High blood sugar
Having diabetes for a longer time
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Pregnancy in people with diabetes
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Diabetic retinopathy may begin developing before a person notices changes in vision, which makes routine dilated eye examinations important for people with diabetes. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is generally recommended at least once a year, although your ophthalmologist may advise a different schedule based on your eye health and individual needs.
If you notice changes in your vision in one or both eyes, contact your ophthalmologist promptly.
How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Affect Your Retina?
Diabetic retinopathy can change the retina in different ways as the disease progresses. Understanding these changes helps explain why regular eye examinations are important even when your vision seems normal.
Leaking or Blocked Blood Vessels
In earlier diabetic retinopathy, small retinal blood vessels can leak or close off. Leakage can cause swelling in the retina, including swelling of the macula, the area responsible for detailed central vision.
Abnormal New Blood Vessels
In more advanced disease, the retina may begin growing fragile new blood vessels. These vessels can bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye.
Scarring and Retinal Problems
Bleeding and abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to scar tissue. In advanced cases, scar tissue can pull on the retina and contribute to retinal detachment.
How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed and Treated?
Treatment depends on what an ophthalmologist finds during your examination and how advanced the condition is. Some people with early diabetic retinopathy may initially need monitoring rather than immediate eye treatment.
Diagnosis
A diabetic retinopathy evaluation may include:
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A dilated examination of the retina
Vision testing
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Imaging of retinal blood vessels when needed
Evaluation for retinal or macular swelling
OCT provides detailed images that can help an ophthalmologist identify and measure swelling in the macula. Other imaging may be used when more information about retinal blood vessels is needed.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options
Depending on the condition, an ophthalmologist may discuss:
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Managing blood sugar and blood pressure
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Eye injections, including anti-VEGF medication
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Steroid medication in some cases
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Laser treatment
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Vitrectomy for some advanced cases
The appropriate treatment depends on what is happening inside the eye. Some patients may need more than one type of treatment.
Living With Diabetic Retinopathy
Managing diabetes is an important part of protecting your vision. Keeping blood sugar within the range recommended by your healthcare team and managing blood pressure and cholesterol can help lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy or vision loss.
Regular eye exams allow your ophthalmologist to monitor your retina for changes that may occur before you notice vision problems.
Important to Know
Diabetic retinopathy can progress without noticeable symptoms. In advanced disease, complications can include bleeding inside the eye, diabetic macular edema, abnormal blood vessel growth, scarring and retinal detachment.
Diabetic Eye Care in Union, NJ
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center provides diabetic eye exams and diabetic retinopathy care for patients in Union and surrounding New Jersey communities. Dr. James E. Haberman, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified ophthalmologist and graduate of New York Medical College. Schedule an eye exam to have your eyes evaluated and discuss appropriate follow-up care.
Visit Excel Eye Care in Union
Excel Eye Care & Laser Surgery Center
2333 Morris Avenue, Suite C-103
Union, NJ 07083
908-688-4000
Serving Union, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities.