CONDITIONS
DISEASE & MANAGEMENT
Accommodative (Focusing) Dysfunctions
Cataracts
Cornea Cross-Linking
Contact Lens & Eyeware
Convergence Excess (BV Disorder)
Convergence Insufficiency (BV Disorder)
Developmental Disability
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes
Double Vision
Dry Eye
Electrophysiology
Eyelid Bump / Swelling
Eye Pain or Eyelid Pain
Flashes or Floaters in Vision
Glaucoma
Glasses & Eyeware
Keratoconus Management
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Loss of Vision
Macular Degeneration
Myopia Management
Occupational Therapy
Ocularmotor Dysfunction
Ocular Prosthetics
Optic Neuritis
Red Eye
Retinal Tear & Detachment
Refractive Error
Strabismus & Amblyopia
Traumatic Brain Injury
Trauma
Vision Disorders
Vision Rehabilitation
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
DESCRIPTION
This is the most common type of retinal disorder and involves the eye compensating for weak or damaged nerves. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to chronic high blood sugar, and can cause blindness if left untreated. It can cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina causing them to leak blood and fluid, or close off entirely. To learn more about treatment options, watch this video.
RISK FACTORS
• Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
SYMPTOMS
• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Poor color vision
• Vision loss
TYPES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
• Non-proliferative (NPDR) - damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak fluids, including small amounts of blood, into the retina. Sometimes, deposits of fats may leak inside the retina. For more, watch this video.
• Proliferative (PDR) - blood vessels in the retina close, preventing adequate blood flow. The retina responds by trying to grow new vessels.
However, these new abnormal vessels do not provide proper blood flow, and can bleed and lead to scar tissue, which may cause the retina to wrinkle or detach. For more, watch this video.
TYPES OF TESTS
Most examinations in the service will require your eyes to be dilated for a thorough evaluation of your ocular health. Please make an appointment to determine if your vision problems could be solved with a visit to our clinic.
• Comprehensive Eye Exam - During your exam, the doctor dilates your eyes and evaluates your vision. If necessary, additional tests/procedures may be used to confirm your diagnosis.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - This imaging technique provides cross-sectional views of your retina to watch for any abnormal swelling.
• Fluorescein Angiography - This test helps the doctor see changes in the structure of function of your retinal blood vessels. To perform this test, fluorescent yellow dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. Then photographs are taken of your retina as the dye outlines your blood vessels.
TREATMENT
Treatment includes laser, surgery, or even injections of medicine and must be performed by a trained doctor. Some laser procedures may be completed on the day of the consultation. For more treatment information, watch this video.
SERVICE AREAS PROVIDING TREATMENT
The Center for Advanced Ophthalmic Care
Rosenbloom Center on Aging and Vision