| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
|
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Diabetic retinopathy |
| Alternative Names: |
Retinopathy - diabetic |
| Treatment: |
Control of diabetes and associated high blood pressure is the aim of treatment. Such treatment usually does not reverse existing damage but will slow the progression of the disease. Laser surgery may be used to seal leaking vessels or to eradicate abnormal fragile vessels. Surgical treatment (vitrectomy) is used in cases of hemorrhage into the eye. It may also be used to repair retinal detachment caused by hemorrhage and subsequent scarring. People with diabetes should see an ophthalmologist for a dilated examination of the retina once per year to reduce the chances of serious vision loss. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
The outcome may be improved by good control of diabetes and high blood pressure. Some degree of diabetic retinopathy usually becomes evident after 10 years and is nearly universal in people who have diabetes mellitus for more than 30 years. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness without treatment. Frequent examination and laser surgery, if necessary, can prevent blindness in most cases. |
| Complications: |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have diabetes mellitus and you have not seen an ophthalmologist in the past year. |
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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