Diabetic Retinopathy
What is it?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body produces or processes insulin. The pancreas is the gland that produces insulin. Insulin regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Many people think diabetes is a "sugar" disease, but all of the harmful effects of this disease result from changes in the cell walls of small blood vessels. Leaking blood vessels cause hemorrhages, exudates, new blood vessel growth, and scar tissue formation.
Current Treatment:
- Fluorescein angiography, laser photocoagulation, and vitrectomy are the standard of care for the retinal surgeon.
- Control of blood sugar with diet and exercise are essential. Smoking is definitely out.
- Low Vision therapy is very helpful.
Future Treatment:
- Drugs that stop new blood vessels from growing are currently under clinical investigation.