Diabetic Retinopathy in Vineland
Diabetics need to be particularly attentive to any changes in their vision. This is because high or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can alter the veins, arteries and capillaries that circulate blood throughout the body and especially the eyes.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the small vessels in the retina become damaged and close, forcing the retina to grow new, smaller vessels. The fragile small blood vessels grow abnormally on the surface of the retina and are not large enough to support the retina with the necessary blood supply. This can lead to:
- Vitreous hemorrhage: occurs when a new blood vessel leaks blood into the clear vitreous gel in the eye blocking light from reaching the retina
- Small floater: occurs if only a small amount of blood is lost; all vision may be obscured if a large bleed occurs
- Scar tissue: new blood vessel growth can cause scar tissue that shrinks and pulls on the retina, distorting vision
- Vision loss: occurs if the pulling is severe enough to cause the macula to detach
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Vineland
Dr. David R. Pernelli, MD highly recommends that diabetics have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to monitor overall eye health and look for any signs of diabetic retinopathy. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to control your blood sugar levels and by living a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease but may not restore clear vision:
- Vitrectomy: to remove scar tissue and blood associated with abnormal blood vessels
- Laser surgery: to shrink abnormal blood vessels
- Anti-VEGF medications: to shrink abnormal blood vessels
If you experience any symptoms of diabetic retinopathy such as strings or floaters in your vision, blurriness, dark spots or any vision change, contact us to request a diabetic eye exam. Our diabetic eye specialist in Vineland, NJ, will do everything possible to protect your vision.