Santa Ana Retina Consultants

If you have diabetic retinopathy, you should speak with Santa Ana retina consultants. The eye condition is common among diabetic patients and results when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. Patients with diabetic retinopathy may experience blurry vision, floaters and poor night vision.

Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

There are several treatments available for diabetic retinopathy. The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the severity of your condition.

If your diabetic retinopathy is in the early stages, treatment might not be necessary right away. Your doctor may want you to schedule more frequent appointments so that he or she can monitor your condition. Controlling your blood sugar levels is often the most effective way to slow down the progression of the disease.

If your diabetic retinopathy is advanced, surgery is necessary. Here are the different surgical options your Santa Ana retina consultants may suggest:

• Photocoagulation: During the procedure, your doctor will use a laser to slow or stop leakage of blood and fluid in your eye. The procedure is typically performed in your eye doctor’s office and can be completed in one session.
• Vitrectomy: This procedure involves cutting a small incision in your eye to remove blood from the middle of the eye and any scar tissue that is on the retina. It’s performed at a surgery center, as general anesthesia has to be used.
• Panretinal Photocoagulation: This is a laser treatment designed to shrink abnormal blood vessels and involves using scattered laser burns to treat the retina. The treatment is generally performed in a doctor’s office and can take one or two sessions to complete.

Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

While diabetic retinopathy can’t always be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing the condition, such as:

• Keep Your Diabetes Under Control: One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes. Eat a healthy diet, take your medications, monitor your blood sugar levels and exercise on a regular basis.
• Stop Smoking: If you are a smoker, now is the time to stop. Smoking tobacco can increase your risk of diabetes complications, like diabetic retinopathy, in addition to many other health conditions.
• Keep an Eye on Vision Changes: If you are at a higher risk of developing  diabetic retinopathy, it is crucial to pay attention to vision changes. If you notice that your vision has become blurry or you can’t see well at night anymore, you should make an appointment to see your eye doctor immediately. The sooner diabetic retinopathy is addressed, the easier it is to treat.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, you should schedule an appointment with Santa Ana retina consultants at Retina Associates of Orange County as soon as possible to get your eyes checked out.