Diabetic Retinopathy

No part of the body is safe from the effects of diabetes, including the many sensitive structures within the eye. Fortunately, few diabetics actually experience serious loss of vision, but nearly all of them experience some eye problems related to this disease.

Diabetes affects the body’s small blood vessels; diabetic retinopathy may manifest itself in the form of tiny blood clots and microaneurysms that weaken the blood vessels and leak fluid into the retina. This leakage contributes to the development of macular edema, a very serious swelling that interferes with the function of the retina and blurs central vision. New blood vessels sometimes form as diabetes progresses. These new blood vessels are abnormal, weak, and often hemorrhage. The resulting scar tissue elevates the risk of retinal detachment and serious, frequently permanent, vision loss.

Diabetics can reduce the risk of these serious consequences by controlling their blood sugar and having regular eye exams by a doctor who is very familiar with diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Shiller can recommend an appropriate examination schedule to monitor the effects of diabetic retinopathy and other serious, vision-threatening conditions.