Two Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

In diabetic retinopathy the blood vessels of the retina become abnormal andn cause the problems that people with diabetes have with their eyesight. With diabetes, the retinal blood vessels can develop tiny leaks. These leaks cause fluid or blod to seep into the retina. The retina then becomes wet and swollen. This is called nonproliferative (or background) diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Another problem with the retinal blood vessels in diabetes is that they can close. The retinal tissue, which depends on those vessels for nutrition, will no longer work properly. The areas of the retina in which the blood vessels have closed then foster the growth of abnormal new blood vessels, called neovascularization, that can be very bad for the eye because this can cause bleeding and form scar tissue that can result in blindness (total loss of vision). The form of diabetic retinopathy caused by closure of the blood vessels is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

If your doctor diagnosis diabetic retinopathy and feels laser surgery might be helpful, a special test called Fluorescein Angiogram may be done. To do this test, dye is injected into a vein in the patient's are. The dye travels throughout the body, including the eyes. With a special camera, a series of photographs of the retina are taken as the dye passes through. The photographs can show what kinds of changes have occurred and help determine the exact location and amount of laser surgery is neccessary. I have done literally thousands of this test on patient's and most of the time goes without complications. Occasionally you will get someone that may be allergic to the dye, so it is important to let your doctor know if you have a shellfish or Iodine allergy before having this test done.

The best way to control diabetic retinopathy is to keep good control of your blood sugar, eat right and exercise. If you have problems in your eyes from diabetes this is a good indication that you are having problems going on in the rest of your body!!!! People need to be more educated about Diabetes and the long term effects it can have on your body when it is out of control.