Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This is an extremely common condition in the United States, affecting about half of the diabetic population.

The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely that person is to develop diabetes, especially if blood sugar is not well controlled. There are two different types of diabetic retinopathy:

• Diabetic Macular Edema: This condition causes the central part of the retina, called the macula, to swell. The macula is responsible for central, sharp vision. The blood vessels that nourish the macula begin to weaken and swell, causing decreased vision.
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: In this stage of the disease, new abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue begin to form on the surface of the retina. These weak blood vessels bleed into the middle eye cavity, causing vision loss in those areas. Scar tissue formation can pull on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

Occasionally, diabetic retinopathy can lead to a rare type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. This happens when scar tissue grows in the front of the eye, where fluid exists. The fluid is prevented from escaping the eye, meaning that pressure builds up in the eye and causes further vision loss.

If you are suffering from diabetic retinopathy, call Vision Care of Maine today. We offer the best and most up-to-date treatments available today and will make sure you receive the care you need.