Diabetic Retinopathy FAQ


When should an adult with diabetes have a retinal examination?

It is important to have the retina checked as soon as the diagnosis of diabetes is made. Sometimes retinopathy may be already present.

Should a young child with diabetes see an eye doctor?

Children who have had diabetes for five years or more should see their eye doctor yearly for retina check.

If I have no symptoms, why should I go to the eye doctor?

Only a thorough eye exam by your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy before it affects sight. Diabetes is the major cause of blindness in the United States.

Can proper control of my diabetes help prevent diabetic retinopathy?

Yes, but not always. Good control of diabetes can lessen or slow down diabetic retinopathy.

Does every diabetic get diabetic retinopathy?

Most diabetics begin to develop retinopathy after ten years of being diabetic. However, their retinopathy doesn't always progress to a point where their sight is threatened or treatment is needed.

What can a diabetic patient do to help avoid retinopathy?

Consistent, close control of diabetes offers the best hope, and methods of control are improving. Take excellent care of all medical problems including blood sugar control and high blood pressure. Avoid smoking and weight gain, and exercise regularly.

Are there different types of diabetic retinopathy?

Two major types exist: Background and Proliferative. Background diabetic retinopathy occurs when the retina's small blood vessels become damaged. Signs include microaneurysms (tiny bulges in the vessels), cytoid bodies (also called cotton-wool spots) and bleeding within the retina. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the abnormal growth of blood vessels on the optic nerve, the retina or the jelly-like vitreous inside the eyeball. These blood vessels may cause sudden loss of vision if they bleed into the eyeball. Retinal detachment, which can require surgery, also may occur with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have diabetic retinopathy?

Yes. Contact lenses have no effect on diabetic retinopathy.

Can diabetic retinopathy be corrected with eyeglasses?

No. Because diabetic retinopathy is the result of weakened blood vessels in the eye, glasses or contact lenses cannot correct or prevent the disease.

Are there any eye drops for treating diabetic retinopathy?

No. Eye drops cannot prevent or treat diabetic retinopathy.

Does laser surgery hurt?

Laser surgery for background diabetic retinopathy (focal laser treatment) is not painful. Sometimes laser surgery for proliferative retinopathy (PRP) may cause discomfort. If it does, your doctor can usually numb the eye.

Will I notice any changes in my eyesight after having laser treatment?

Focal laser treatment may cause small spots in some patient's central vision, but these usually fade over time. Pan- Retinal photocoagulation can sometimes cause a decrease in side vision or night vision. About 1 in 10 patients lose a minimal amount of central vision. However, most patients consider this a necessary trade-off in order to save the majority of their sight.

Do most insurance plans cover this type of exam and treatment?

Yes. Most insurance plans do cover retinal exams and treatments. They are considered medical problems and special vision insurance is not necessary.

What can prevent vision loss from Background diabetic retinopathy?

Argon laser treatment can reduce blood vessel leakage and help swollen retinal areas. This treatment helps the retina continue working.

How does Background diabetic retinopathy cause problems?

When diabetes causes the body to mishandle the way it absorbs sugar, this improper sugar metabolism damages pericytes, which are cells in the blood flowing in capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. The malfunctioning pericytes then cause loss of circulation and eye damage. Plus, leaking fluid may cause swelling in the central retinal area (the macular) and sharp vision may fade.

What causes Proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

Loss of retina circulation usually triggers the problem. When retina cells do not get enough oxygen and nourishment from damaged blood vessels, the cells send chemical commands called mediators, which cause new blood vessels to grow. Unfortunately, these new vessels often cause problems by bleeding into the eye.

What is the best treatment for Proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

Panretinal laser photocoagulation often can help avoid total loss of vision in an eye with proliferative diabetic retinography. The treatment lessens the retina's need for oxygen and nutrients so fewer troublesome blood vessels grow.

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