Diabetic Retinopathy

in Dalton, Georgia

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Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that impacts the eyes. As the blood vessels that nourish the retina begin to deteriorate, they can leak fluid or blood, develop brush-like branches, or become larger. Once the leaking fluid or blood damages or scars the retina, the light or image sent to the brain becomes blurry. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults.

Dr. Timothy O'Boyle is Professional Eye Associates' diabetic specialist. Dr. O'Boyle specializes in laser treatments for diabetic eye disease, and is constantly staying abreast of the latest developments in this increasingly common condition.

Symptoms

Many people with the early stages of diabetic retinopathy do not experience symptoms. In order to diagnose the condition early and prevent vision loss, it is important for diabetic patients to have regular, yearly eye exams. As the condition progresses, the symptoms that develop include:

• Poor night vision
• "Floaters" and "flashes"
• Blurred vision
• Blindness

Treatment

Damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed or cured, but further damage and vision loss can be prevented my managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. You can also prevent damage by having regular, yearly eye exams. This allows your doctor to monitor the health of your eyes, and prescribe treatment as necessary in order to preserve your sight.

Treatment options include:

• Laser surgery: Lasers are used to seal broken blood vessels and to eliminate abnormal blood vessels
• Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure to repair retinal detachment or to stop bleeding within the eye.

More Information

For more information about diabetic retinopathy and your treatment options, please see our Diabetic Retinopathy: Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you live in the Northwest Georgia area, and have diabetes, please call or email us to schedule your eye exam. We will answer any questions you have, and we look forward to serving you.

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