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NEED HELP? If you
have questions and need answers, give us a call 814-536-5343
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INFO FOR YOU |
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| DIABETIC
RETINOPATHY |
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In diabetic retinopathy the blood vessels of the
retina become abnormal which may cause problems
with eyesight. In diabetic retinopathy, the
retinal blood vessels develop tiny leaks. These
leaks cause fluid or blood to seep into the
retina, especially the macula.
Another problem with the retinal blood vessels
in diabetes is that they can become obstructed.
The areas of the retina in which the blood
vessels have become obstructed then foster the
growth and proliferation of abnormal new blood
vessels.
A third problem associated with diabetes is
neovascularization of the iris. This is the
colored portion of the eye. Abnormal vessels
group there and obstruct the normal flow of
fluid out of the eye and cause the pressure to
rise to dangerously high levels. This can cause
loss of vision as well.
A fourth problem associated with diabetic
retinopathy is bleeding from neovascularization
into the vitreous cavity. This is called a
vitreous hemorrhage. A person may notice the
sudden appearance of floaters, blind spots,
spots in front of their eyes, or blurred vision.
Such an experience should prompt an immediate
visit to your doctor. Treatment can involve
observation, laser therapy, or surgical
correction in the operating room.
Movie about
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Movie about Proliferative
Diabetic Retinopathy
Movie
about Vitreous Hemorrhage
Fluorescein Angiography
If your doctor diagnoses diabetic retinopathy
and feels that laser surgery might be helpful, a
special test called fluorescein angiography may
be done.
Dye is injected into a vein in the patient’s
arm. The dye travels throughout the body,
including the eyes. With a special camera and
light flashes, a series of photographs are
taken, providing a map for the laser treatment.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery can be very helpful for the
treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The major
purpose of laser surgery is to prevent further
visual loss. Laser surgery may not always be
necessary and, in some cases, may not be
possible because the degree or severity of the
diabetic retinopathy may be too great.
Movie about Laser Surgery for Non-Proliferative
Diabetic Retinopathy
Movie about Laser Surgery for Proliferative
Diabetic Retinopathy
Vitrectomy Surgery
For certain types or degree of diabetic
retinopathy, surgical intervention may be
necessary. Vitrectomy surgery is done in the
hospital under general or local anesthesia. The
blood-filled vitreous gel is removed. It is
replace during the operation with a gas bubble
or clear fluid that is compatible with the eye.
Laser therapy may be performed at that time as
well.
Movie about
Vitrectomy Surgery
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