Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. There are two major types of retinopathy:

• Nonproliferative
• Proliferative.

Nonproliferative retinopathy is the common, mild form. It usually has no effect on vision and needs no treatment. But after it is diagnosed, have your eyes checked at least yearly to make sure it's not getting worse. In nonproliferative retinopathy, capillaries balloon and form pouches. Although retinopathy does not usually cause any vision loss at this stage, the capillary walls may lose their ability to control the passage of substances between the blood and the retina. As a result, the retina becomes swollen and fatty deposits form within it. If this swelling affects the center of the retina, the problem is called macular edema and vision loss can result.

In some people, retinopathy progresses after several years to a more serious form called proliferative retinopathy. In this form, the blood vessels are so damaged they close off. In response, new blood vessels start growing in the retina. These new vessels are weak and can leak blood, blocking vision, which is a condition called vitreous hemorrhage. The new blood vessels can also cause scar tissue to grow. After the scar tissue shrinks, it can distort the retina or pull it out of place -- this is called retinal detachment.

Your retina can be badly damaged before you notice any change in vision. Most people with nonproliferative retinopathy have no symptoms. Even with proliferative retinopathy, the more dangerous form, people sometimes have no symptoms until it is too late to treat them. For this reason, you should have your eyes examined regularly by an eye care professional.

Call 497-Eyes (3937) to set up your consultation today.