Retina Treatments
CODET Vision Institute provides minimally-invasive treatment options for retinal conditions, including detachment and AMD. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include injections or…
Diabetic Retinopathy
Condition
Diabetic Retinopathy
Anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy. Without early detection and treatment, it can permanently damage the retina.
An Overview: Diabetic Retinopathy
At a Glance:
- May cause little to no visual symptoms in its early stages
- Without early detection and treatment, it can permanently damage the retina
- If the condition is not caught early, it may produce mild blurriness in near or distance vision, floaters, and even the sudden loss of vision
- Left untreated, it can cause severe vision loss, including blindness
- It is critical for patients with diabetes to be examined on a regular basis, even if they have not yet noticed any symptoms
All diabetes patients, whether Type 1 or Type 2, are at equal risk for diabetic retinopathy, which is one reason why it is so important that they undergo frequent, regularly scheduled eye exams. However, even with regular exams occurring, diabetic retinopathy can present quickly. Diabetes patients must pay attention to any sudden vision changes and schedule an eye exam immediately, regardless of how recently they had their last exam to rule out this condition.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Small blood vessel damage within the retina causes fluid and blood leakage along with swelling or thickening the retina.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Small blood vessels grow abnormally from the retina into the vitreous, resulting in bleeding, scarring, and vitreous contraction possibly leading to retinal detachment.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy May Include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Difficulty reading
- Trouble with color perception
- Spots or “floaters” in the vision
- A shadow across the field of vision
- Eye pain or pressure
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
The primary cause of diabetic retinopathy is diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the retina’s essential small blood vessels, or even block them completely, leading to several complications.
Prevention Tips:
- Practice strict medication discipline by following doctor’s prescription instructions precisely and consistently
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in regular exercise
- Don’t smoke
- Watch your ABCs (A1C, Blood pressure, Cholesterol)
Prevention is the best course of action, as it can be impossible to fix vision damage from diabetic retinopathy once it has begun. However, damage can be prevented or halted, but only if the patient maintains regular, comprehensive checkups and eye examinations.
Both types of diabetic retinopathy are well-known and highly treatable if caught in time. Due to advances in laser technology, medications, and other treatments, more diabetes patients than ever are able to maintain good vision throughout their lives. However, this is only possible when diabetic retinopathy is caught in the early stages.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments and Surgeries
Eye surgeons cannot reverse the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy, but if caught in time, modern treatment options may help slow its progression and prevent further vision loss.
Treatment Options Include
Why CODET for Diabetic Retinopathy?
- The CODET Vision Institute is at the level of the most prestigious eye centers in the world. Our physicians have trained at some of the finest, most respected institutions in Mexico and the U.S.
- Our Laser and Retina Specialists employ the most advanced technology and equipment for diagnosis and treatment of issues related to diabetic retinopathy
- Our Retina specialists will recommend the best option for you only after completing a comprehensive eye and health history examination
About our Technology and Facilities
Some of our technology and machines that specifically help treat diabetic retinopathy:
- Spectralis
- Constellation
- EasyRet Laser
- IRIDEX Micropulse Laser
- Stellaris
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
A quick and easy look on diabetic retinophaty.