Diabetic Retinopathy

At Visionary Eye Doctors, our team specializes in the diagnostic testing, management, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy for patients across Washington, DC, and Maryland. Finding an eye doctor who treats diabetic retinopathy should not mean waiting weeks for an appointment, so our team works to see you quickly. Using advanced technology, including state-of-the-art imaging, we identify changes in your eye and recommend the treatment for diabetic retinopathy that is right for you. You can depend on us to help prevent or stop vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy.

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COMPREHENSIVE RETINAL CARE IN DC AND MARYLAND

Your retinas play a critical part in your overall eye health, and diabetic retinopathy is one of several conditions our team is equipped to manage. Along with diabetic retinopathy, we diagnose and treat retinal conditions like macular degeneration, floaters, and more. You can see us at our offices in Washington, DC, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and Damascus, MD. Call us at (301) 591-1763 or contact us online.

WHAT IS DIABETIC EYE DISEASE?

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults in the United States. An estimated 30.3 million people have diabetes, including people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, and more than a third of those show signs of retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These weakened or damaged blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the back of the eye, which distorts your vision.

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative.

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy refers to the early stages of the disease. In this early stage, weakened blood vessels leak fluid and distort sight.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the advanced stage of the disease. As the retina loses its blood supply, a process called retinal ischemia, new blood vessels grow around the retina and into the vitreous humor, the clear substance inside the eye. This retinal neovascularization is fragile, and the abnormal vessels can burst and cause a vitreous hemorrhage. They may also form scar tissue that leads to retinal detachment.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

Loss of central vision, for example when reading or driving
Loss of the ability to see color
Distorted or blurry vision
Small spots or floaters

In most cases, there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Your sight may not be affected until the condition is more severe, which is why early detection matters. Retinopathy develops over time, so yearly eye exams are important. If you have a more advanced case, more frequent eye exams may be necessary. Call us to speak with one of our doctors if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY TREATMENT OPTIONS

The best treatment for diabetic eye disease depends on which part of the eye is affected. To guide treatment, our doctors use advanced imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to map the retina and its blood vessels.

Depending on your retina, our doctors may recommend one of the following:

Anti-VEGF injections: These medications block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the protein that drives abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling. Anti-VEGF drugs are a common treatment for diabetic macular edema.
Focal laser treatment: Also known as laser photocoagulation, this laser treatment seals leaky blood vessels to reduce swelling in the eye. The procedure is painless and is done in our offices.
Scatter laser treatment: Also known as pan-retinal photocoagulation, this laser surgery uses laser points around the retina to shrink abnormal blood vessels.

CAN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY CAUSE OTHER OCULAR HEALTH ISSUES?

Diabetic retinopathy may lead to several other serious complications:

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): This occurs when damaged retinal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. The macula swells, and central vision becomes blurred or distorted. DME is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy, which is why early detection and treatment matter.
Neovascular Glaucoma: Abnormal blood vessels can grow on the iris and block the eye’s fluid drainage, raising pressure inside the eye. This can damage the optic nerve and, without treatment, lead to blindness.
Tractional Retinal Detachment: Scar tissue at the back of the eye can pull the retina out of position, a condition known as tractional retinal detachment that can cause severe vision loss.

PREVENTING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Managing your diabetes is the most effective way to lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy. Diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and giving up smoking all help you control the disease. Key steps include monitoring your blood sugar level, blood pressure, and cholesterol, since high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are all risk factors for eye damage.

Regular comprehensive eye exams are just as important. A yearly dilated eye exam is one of the most effective actions to catch eye problems before they affect your vision. If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, early treatment can slow or stop further vision loss. If you are pregnant or have gestational diabetes, consult your eye doctor about how often you should be seen.

VISIT VISIONARY EYE DOCTORS

For those seeking exceptional care in eye health, Visionary Eye Doctors is a trusted choice. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists uses the latest advancements in eye care and surgery to deliver treatment focused on safety and results. Whether you need routine eye exams or a more complex surgical procedure, you can count on our expertise and compassionate care. We also work to keep wait times short, so you can get answers about your vision without a long delay. Join the many patients across the United States who have chosen Visionary Eye Doctors for their eye care. Your vision is our priority.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the early signs of diabetic retinopathy?

Early diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms at all. When signs do appear, they can include blurry or distorted vision, floaters, trouble seeing colors, or difficulty with central vision when reading or driving. Because the early stage is usually silent, a yearly dilated eye exam is the best way to catch it early.

Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?

Damage that has already occurred usually cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow or stop the disease and protect the vision you still have. Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with early treatment, gives you the best chance of preventing further vision loss.

How often should someone with diabetes get an eye exam?

Most people with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you have more advanced retinopathy or other risk factors, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits. Pregnancy can affect diabetic retinopathy, so let us know if you are pregnant or have gestational diabetes.

Is diabetic retinopathy treatment painful?

Most treatments are well tolerated. Laser treatment and anti-VEGF injections are performed with numbing drops, and patients generally feel little to no discomfort. Your doctor will explain what to expect before any procedure.

What happens if diabetic retinopathy is left untreated?

Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can progress to more serious problems such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, or neovascular glaucoma, all of which can cause severe vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to protect your sight.