Diabetic Eye Disease Evaluation

If you have diabetes, you are at risk for a serious eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the term used to describe damage done to the blood vessels of the retina due to the effects of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss, affecting both the central and peripheral vision. The only way to diagnose and manage diabetic retinopathy is through a medical eye examination with a qualified ophthalmologist.

To be evaluated by an ophthalmologist in Las Vegas specializing in the treatment of diabetic eye disease, click here to request a consultation online.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a degenerative eye disease which affects up to 80% of all patients who have had diabetes for 10 years or more. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy. The first type is called NPDR, which stands for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This is an early stage in which tiny blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, sometimes affecting the peripheral vision. The second type is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or PDR, which is more serious than NPDR. This more advanced form of the eye disease is present when abnormal new blood vessels begin growing on the retina or optic nerve. This can cause severe vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Eye Disease

Despite these intimidating statistics, research indicates that at least 90% of new cases could be reduced if there was proper and vigilant treatment and monitoring of the eyes by a qualified ophthalmologist. Las Vegas, Nevada residents with diabetes should schedule an examination at least once annually. If diabetic retinopathy is present, examinations should be performed more frequently.

The examination and evaluation for diabetic retinopathy is fairly simple and straightforward. It is performed by your eye doctor in Las Vegas at the Westfield Eye Center, and involves dilating the eye and examining the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. If diabetic retinopathy is present, your ophthalmologist will proceed with developing a treatment plan for you.

Treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease

When diabetes has caused blood vessels in the retina to grow abnormally, they sometimes bleed or leak fluid inside the eye. Laser eye surgery is used to seal the leaking blood vessels, which stops or slows their growth. This helps to prevent further loss of vision, and decreases the chances of further bleeding into the eye. When carefully monitored, diabetic retinopathy can be effectively managed, and serious vision loss prevented, in the majority of cases.

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