Diabetes is a serious health condition that can affect many parts of the body, including your eyes. One of the most common and potentially sight-threatening complications is diabetic retinopathy. At Tandon Eye Hospital, led by Dr. Rashi Tandon, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, helping patients protect and preserve their vision.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
The condition progresses through several stages, starting with mild damage to the retinal blood vessels (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy) and potentially advancing to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), which can result in more severe vision impairment.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the challenges of diabetic retinopathy is that it may not cause symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may begin to notice:
- Blurred vision
- Dark spots or floaters in the field of vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss or distorted vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects
It’s important to understand that the longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams with Dr. Rashi Tandon at Tandon Eye Hospital are essential for early detection and management.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we offer advanced and effective treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, depending on the stage and severity of the condition. These include:
- Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Laser treatment can be used to stop or slow the leaking of blood and fluid into the retina. This helps reduce the risk of further vision loss and stabilizes the condition.
- Intravitreal Injections: Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are used to reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent fluid leakage. This treatment helps in controlling vision deterioration and is effective in managing more advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy.
- Vitrectomy: In cases where there is bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage) or retinal detachment, a vitrectomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves removing the blood-filled vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a clear solution to restore vision.
Preventive Measures for Diabetic Retinopathy
While diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect your vision. Dr. Rashi Tandon recommends the following preventive measures:
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is the most important step in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Regular monitoring, medication, and following a balanced diet can help keep your diabetes under control.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams with Dr. Rashi Tandon at Tandon Eye Hospital, especially if you have diabetes. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy can prevent severe vision loss. Eye exams allow us to detect changes in your retina even before symptoms appear.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen diabetic complications, including retinopathy. Quitting smoking not only benefits your overall health but also reduces the risk of developing eye diseases.
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetic complications, including retinopathy.
Contact Us for Diabetic Retinopathy Care
If you have diabetes or are experiencing any changes in your vision, it’s important to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. Tandon Eye Hospital, led by Dr. Rashi Tandon, is dedicated to helping patients manage diabetic retinopathy and maintain their eye health.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about how we can help protect your vision!
