Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition when a diabetic persons blood sugar gets too high. High blood sugar levels start a series of events which end in damaged blood vessel walls. As such, the blood vessels begin to leak fluid or bleed, causing the retina to swell and form deposits know as exudates. Vision can be lost if these spots are not watched and treated. We will carefully examine the back of your eyes to follow and manage this and other important eye diseases. Particularly helpful in following diabetic eye disease is the Optomap Retinal Exam. We follow our diabetic patients very closely and, if there is any threat to the vision, will help coordinate any visits necessary to a retinal specialist. There are newer, excellent treatments today for diabetic retinopathy so that vision may be kept for as long as possible.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that only affects diabetics. It occurs when the fragile vascular network that supplies the retina – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps us see – begins to swell or leak. During the beginning stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year, if you have diabetes.

Once symptoms of diabetic retinopathy do develop, they can include: dark or black spots in your visual field, or blurry vision, and it increases over time. This is a result of bleeding at the back of the eye, which prevents a clear image from being transmitted from the retina to the brain.

Whether you have type 1, type 2, or even just gestational diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have had the disease, the greater the risk. It is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent vision loss, and this may require a trip back to your primary care physician.

Treating diabetic retinopathy can include vitrectomy, replacing the inner gel-like substance that supports the eyeball structure, and laser surgery.

nuRetin now available in our office!

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious health concern.

As many as 74% of people with diabetes could have difficulty digesting dietary fats including Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, has been shown to protect against the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy. It has been shown in clinical studies that specially formulated Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk and slow the advancement of diabetic retinopathy.

NEW! nūretin® is a specially formulated medical food that provides the right balance and dose of Omega-3 fatty acids in a highly absorbable form to ensure that you are able to restore Omega-3 fatty acids essential for protecting your eyesight.