What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to process and store sugar has been impaired. A characteristic of the disease is gradual changes in blood vessels.
Normal Eye
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by the deterioration of blood vessels in the retina. As these blood vessels weaken, they may become enlarged or leak fluid into the clear vitreous mass which fills the eye, damaging the retina.
"Wet" Form Diabetic Retinopathy
There are two types of Diabetic retinopathy: Non-Proliferative and Proliferative.
- Non-Proliferative
Retinopathy
In non-proliferative retinopathy, blood vessels weaken and begin to leak blood and serum. These fluids collect and form deposits in the retinal tissue, causing it to swell.
If the leaking blood vessels are in the periphery of the eye, no serious visual impairment usually occurs. However, if the fluid collects in the macula -- the area of the retina responsible for straight ahead, detail and color vision -- blind spots and blurred vision can make reading and driving difficult or impossible.
- Proliferative Retinopathy
Proliferative Retinopathy is a more advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, characterized by abnormal blood vessels rapidly spreading (proliferating) across the inner surface of the retina. The vessels bleed into the vitreous and stop light from reaching the retina. Scar tissue forms as a result, and can shrink, detaching the retina.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Detected?
Six in ten individuals who have had diabetes for over 15 years show symptoms of retinal damage. Diabetic Retinopathy can be easily detected during routine eye exams and is treatable with laser surgery in early stages. It is the leading cause of new blindness among adults, and diabetics are 25 times more likely to become blind than those without the disease.
Treatment for Proliferative Retinopathy
Panretinal Coagulation is a treatment in which the peripheral retina is scattered with laser light beams which slows or stops further blood vessel proliferation. Some healthy tissue is damaged, however, the macula is preserved, saving valuable straight ahead and color vision.
Visudyne™ Therapy
Visudyne™ Therapy is a treatment alternative. A light-activated drug ( Visudyne™) is injected into the bloodstream. Upon reaching the retina, it is activated by a non-thermal laser (a laser that does not burn). Small blood clots develop that close abnormal vessels without causing damage to the unaffected retina. Abnormal blood vessels may return after several months. However, Visudyne™ therapy can be reapplied at up to 3 month intervals.
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