Newport Beach Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Doctor

If you are a diabetic, and are experiencing blurred vision or having difficulty seeing at night, you may want to talk to a Newport Beach non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor. You may have diabetic retinopathy and require a medical evaluation. A reputable doctor may evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the retina. Common symptoms of this eye condition include a dark or empty spot at the center of your vision, seeing floaters, blurry vision, and difficulty seeing at night. If diabetic retinopathy is not treated properly by a qualified non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor in Newport Beach, it can lead to blindness.

During the early stages of this condition, known as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, many individuals don’t notice symptoms at all. That is why it is important for diabetics to have regular eye exams.

How Does Diabetes Cause Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Diabetes causes a person to produce too much blood sugar, which can damage the blood vessels in the eye. Individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and elevated blood lipid levels are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

A Newport Beach non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor may diagnose diabetic retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam. During this exam, he or she may discuss a patient’s medical history, evaluate the retina through a dilated pupil, and measure the pressure in the eye. It may take several days to find out the results from these tests.

What Are the Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy may lead to serious complications if it is not treated right away by a Newport Beach non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor. One of the more common complications of this condition is retinal detachment, which can result in spots floating in your vision, and severe vision loss.

The abnormal blood vessel growth in diabetic retinopathy can also cause pressure buildup in the eye, resulting in glaucoma.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

The treatment for diabetic retinopathy will depend on the stage of the disease. If the condition is in its early stages, controlling blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and exercise is often the best way to slow down the progression.

If diabetic retinopathy has progressed to an advanced stage, a Newport Beach non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor may recommend laser treatment. During this treatment, a laser beam is used to burn areas of the retina with abnormal blood vessels to seal the leaks.

Diabetic retinopathy is not something to take lightly. If left untreated, it can negatively affect your vision. If you have diabetes, it may be in your best interest to see an eye doctor at least once a year for a checkup. Getting your eyes examined for diabetic retinopathy can potentially prevent vision loss.

If you are searching for a reputable Newport Beach non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy doctor, contact Retina Associates of Orange County at 949-793-7181.