How to Slow the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Americans. With this condition, which results from type I and type II diabetes, damaged blood vessels leak into the retina. Blurry vision is the first symptom, and if left untreated it will progress to blindness. Those who have had diabetes for a long time or have poorly controlled the condition face a greater risk of blood vessel damage. This article describes the treatment options for each stage of the disease.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Control your diabetes, particularly your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.

2. See your ophthalmologist at least once a year to get your eyes dilated. The dilation offers a better view of the retina so that any problems can be identified and traced as early as possible.

3. Know the two classifications of diabetic retinopathy: proliferative and non-proliferative. Non-proliferative designates the early, less serious stage of the condition, marked by blurred vision from leaking blood vessels. In the proliferative stage, the condition advances and fragile, rupture-prone vessels grow into the eye.

4. Get laser surgery to shrink blood vessels or remove abnormally fragile blood vessels. Laser surgery usually cannot be performed after blood vessels have begun to leak.

5. Schedule a vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy that is causing severe bleeding. This surgical procedure can either repair retinal detachment or remove blood that has seeped into the eye.

6. When it becomes available, take medication to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This drug treatment is still in development.

Tips & Warnings

• The condition can only be slowed; it can't be reversed.

Resources

• Visit Eyes on Diabetes, the leading online resource for diabetic retinopathy.
• Learn about medical advances in eye diseases from the National Eye Institute.
• Find support from others with diabetes at the American Diabetes Assocation.

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