Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can affect diverse areas of the body, from the kidneys to the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease that can result in vision loss if left untreated. It is common among both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics and is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.

Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels of the eye and occurs in two stages. During the first, nonproliferative stage, diabetic retinopathy weakens the blood vessels of the eye. As a result, tiny aneurysms form and damage the vessels. Over time, the vessels bleed and fluid leaks into the retina (the sensitive nerve layer at the back of eye), causing swelling. Retinal swelling can lead to vision loss. The latter stage of diabetic retinopathy is known as the proliferative stage. In this stage, new, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina. The scar tissue that forms as a result can lead to retinal detachment, which is extremely serious, or to a severe type of glaucoma.

There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but there are treatments that can effectively stop the disease's progression and that can sometimes improve vision. Laser photocoagulation surgery for diabetic retinopathy works by using the energy of the laser light to remove abnormal blood vessels. Laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy inevitably causes some minor damage to the retina, but this small amount of vision loss is significantly less than what can occur if diabetic retinopathy is left untreated. There are two types of laser photocoagulation that can be performed: focal and scatter. Focal coagulation targets specific blood vessels located relatively close together. Scatter coagulation is used to treat blood vessels that are more numerous or more spread apart.

The best means of preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is to receive treatment early on. Regular eye exams can help with early diagnosis and treatment. For more information about laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!