What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that arises from diabetes in which tiny blood vessels in the retina are damaged by elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetic retinopathy causes permanent vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
If you are at risk for diabetes or you have the disease, Dr. Atkinson will perform a comprehensive eye exam along with a diabetic retinopathy evaluation, which usually includes the following tests:
- OptosⓇ retinal imaging to inspect your retinas for signs of damage
- A fluorescein angiography to detect changes in the blood vessels of your retinas
- An optical coherence scan, which offers cross-sectional images of your retina that are helpful when monitoring your progress with treatment
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
You may not need treatment if your condition is mild or moderate, but Dr. Atkinson will probably recommend yearly evaluations so he can monitor any changes in your retinas.
More advanced stages of the disease can sometimes be treated with medication that is injected into the eye. In most cases, however, surgery is needed to slow down the progression of the disease. If you require surgery, Dr. Atkinson will partner with your medical team to ensure your care is of the highest quality.
What other diseases does Dr. Atkinson diagnose and treat?
A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose many diseases and conditions that can cause severe loss of vision, including:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration: deterioration of the macula at the center of the retina
- Keratoconus: progressive thinning of the cornea
- Glaucoma: elevated eye pressure that damages the retina
If you are diagnosed with ocular disease, Dr. Atkinson and the qualified team at Atkinson Family Eye Care are here to help with questions, information, and guidance. Eye disease is serious, but early detection, monitoring, and treatment can make living with an eye condition easier.
Atkinson Family Eye Care accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans. For more information, call or email the office, or make an appointment online.
