Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause
of blindness in patients 20 to 74 years of age. The two forms of diabetic
retinopathy result when the abnormal blood vessels of the diabetic
patient begin to leak or collapse. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
occurs when blood vessels leak and fluid accumulates in the retina.
When the leakage is severe ("clinically significant macular edema"),
laser surgery can be used to reduce or eliminate the associated
retinal swelling. Vision may not usually improve with the laser treatment,
but if performed early enough, it may stop further vision loss.
 Proliferative
diabetic retinopathy results from the collapse or closure of
blood vessels. The retina becomes sick were the blood vessels have
closed and releases stimulants for the growth or "proliferation"
of new blood vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can easily
bleed causing hemorrhage in the eye and blindness. Laser surgery
can drastically reduce the risk of severe vision loss in patients
with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. When severe hemorrhage
or scar tissue develops the microsurgical procedure termed vitrectomy
may be required to restore vision. In addition, we are actively
pursuing clinical research in this area as well.
|
Our
services
The Retina
Diabetic Retinopathy
Macular Diseases
Strokes of the Retina
Floaters and Flashes
Retinal Detachment
CMV retinitis
Uveitis
Eye Surgery
The Hospital Stay
|
