Diabetic Retinal/Vitreous Services
Diabetic Retinopathy Service in WNY
We take a multidisciplinary approach to diabetic eye care that integrates cutting edge treatment and optimizes patient care across all of the providers involved in your care.
years of experience
About Us
Diabetic Retina specialist services
“Preserving vision in diabetic patients is more than our specialty; it is our calling in life.”
Our doctors are committed to providing a comprehensive vison care treatment plan to restore and prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a chronic, progressive eye disorder that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with diabetes to have regular comprehensive dilated eye exams in order to detect any changes in their vision or underlying eye health. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy Explained
what is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a medical condition that affects the retina, the layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Retinopathy can be caused by a number of different diseases, but diabetes is one of the most common causes. People with diabetes are at increased risk for retinopathy because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetes-related retinopathy typically develops gradually, and early symptoms may include blurred vision or difficulty seeing at night. In more advanced stages, retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can slow down or even prevent the progression of retinopathy. If you have diabetes, it is important to have regular eye exams so that any signs of retinopathy can be detected early.
How long after a person is diagnosed with diabetes will they start to experience symptoms of retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting more than half of all people who have the disease. Symptoms usually begin to develop after several years of uncontrolled blood sugar levels, but they may also occur in people who have had diabetes for a shorter period of time if their condition is not well managed. The earliest signs of retinopathy are often small changes in vision that are not noticeable at first. However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and eventually complete blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing or delaying the onset of these more serious symptoms.
What are the long-term effects of untreated retinopathy
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual signals to the brain. Retinopathy is a general term that describes any damage to the retina. It is a common complication of diabetes and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults ages 20-74. Early symptoms of retinopathy include blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night. As the condition progresses, people may experience blind spots, severe vision loss, and even complete blindness. Although there is no cure for retinopathy, early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow its progression and preserve vision. Without treatment, however, retinopathy will continue to worsen, eventually leading to irreversible vision loss.
How can people prevent or delay the onset of retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. The condition develops when the blood vessels in the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye – become damaged. Early detection and treatment of retinopathy are essential to preventing vision loss. Some common risk factors for developing retinopathy include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. People who are at increased risk should be sure to undergo regular comprehensive eye exams. In addition, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to prevent or delay the onset of retinopathy. These include maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar levels, and managing blood pressure. By taking these steps, people can help to protect their vision and maintain their quality of life.
What treatments are available for people who have developed retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can occur due to a variety of causes, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Retinopathy can lead to vision loss if left untreated. There are several treatment options available for people who have developed retinopathy. These include laser surgery, which helps to shrink abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Injections of drugs into the eye are also sometimes used to treat retinopathy. In severe cases, a transplant may be necessary. With early diagnosis and treatment, retinopathy can be effectively managed and vision loss can be prevented.
How can family members and friends help someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes-related retinopathy
Diabetes-related retinopathy is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. Early detection and treatment is essential to preventing vision loss. Family members and friends can play an important role in helping someone with diabetes-related retinopathy by providing support and understanding. They can also help with practical tasks such as monitoring blood sugar levels, making doctor’s appointments, and ensuring that the person with the condition is eating a healthy diet. In addition, family members and friends can provide emotional support during what can be a difficult and frightening time. By offering help and understanding, they can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those with diabetes-related retinopathy.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to know about retinopathy and how to prevent its onset. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimizing the long-term effects of this condition. If you suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms of retinopathy, please schedule an appointment with your health care provider today. We want to help you maintain your vision for years to come.
Diabetic retinopathy is essentially retinal vascular damage caused by diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can result in blurred vision and distorted vision. If not treated, it can result in permanent blindness. People are not likely to develop symptoms from early diabetic retinopathy. However, undergoing dilated eye exam once a year can help detect the disease and prevent further damage.
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Latest Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
Our diabetic retinopathy service offers the latest in laser treatments along with an intravitreal injection care office providing the latest medications used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious eye damage due to diabetes. Diabetes affects the metabolism of glucose (sugar) and the metabolism of glucose. The disease has a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, which may be harmful to your eyes and brain. Diabetes can damage the arteries and blood vessels throughout your body. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these blood vessels grow or develop new leaking blood vessels in the retina.
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Diabetic Retinopathy: Diagnosis
Tell me the best way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy?
The best way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a dilated eye exam with an eye doctor. In additional to an eye exam involving checking your visual acuity (to check for vision loss) and intraocular eye pressures, your doctor will also examine the front as well as back of your eyes, including your retina and optic nerve. In order to see the largest area of the back of your eye, your eye doctor will place eye drops in your eye to widen the pupil. The larger pupil allows for a better assessment of the back of the eye, including looking for damaged blood vessels, abnormal blood vessels and new blood vessels (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), as well as swelling in the retina (macular edema). Your eye doctor will also make sure there are no signs of a retinal detachment.
Our Testing Services
Latest technology in Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic retinopathy
We offer the latest technology to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. From our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines, to our fundus cameras and advanced laser systems, we provide comprehensive diabetic retinal care.
Diabetic Retinopathy Stages
what are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy
The diabetic retinopathy stages are classified into mild, moderate and severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The stages of diabetic retinopathy become progressively worse and the risk of diabetic retinopathy in the advanced diabetic retinopathy stages increases the risk of vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy Stages
stages of diabetic retinopathy
Stage 1: Early Stage – Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is one of the early stages of diabetic eye disease. Mild NPDR is characterized by mild changes in the retina that do not usually affect vision. Usually the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy at this stage are minimal to none. However, if left untreated, NPDR can progress to more serious stages of diabetic eye disease, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Although NPDR does not typically cause vision problems, people with NPDR should have regular dilated eye exams so that any changes in their condition can be detected early. Blood pressure and cholesterol as well as blood sugar levels should be checked to ensure they are in the optimal range. Treatment for mild NPDR typically focuses on controlling blood sugar levels, managing high blood pressure and managing other risk factors for diabetic eye disease. In some cases, laser surgery may also be used to prevent the progression of developing diabetic retinopathy from mild NPDR to PDR.
Stage 2: Moderate Stage – Moderate Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a relatively early stage of the disease, in which small areas of ballooning and leaking occur in the retina. These areas are called microaneurysms, and they can eventually lead to larger areas of leakage and damage. In moderate stage nonproliferative retinopathy, the microaneurysms are usually widely spaced and do not yet cause major damage to the retina. However, if left untreated, the disease will progress to the next stage, called severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. At this point, the microaneurysms will become more numerous and close together, eventually leading to major damage to the retina. Treatment for moderate stage nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy typically focuses on controlling blood sugar levels, managing high blood pressure and managing other risk factors for diabetic eye disease.
Stage 3: Severe Stage – Severe Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the retina become blocked or damaged. NPDR is the most common type of diabetic retinopathy, and it usually affects both eyes. Symptoms of NPDR include blurred vision and floaters. In its early stages, NPDR does not usually cause vision loss. However, if left untreated, the disease progresses to the more severe proliferative stage, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. Treatment for severe NPDR typically involves laser surgery to destroy abnormal blood vessels, tiny blood vessels and/or to shrink swollen retina tissue (macular edema). If you have diabetes, it is important to have regular eye exams so that any changes in your retinal health can be detected and treated early. It is also important to manage your high blood sugar to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Stage 4: Proliferative Stage – Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels in the retina. These new vessels are fragile and often leak blood, resulting in vitreous hemorrhage, tractional detachment of the retina, and/or optic nerve head edema. While this growth of new blood vessels may initially seem to be beneficial, it actually leads to further damage of the retina and can eventually lead to severe vision loss and blindness. Treatment during this stage typically involves laser surgery to destroy the abnormal blood vessels and shrink blood vessels and prevent their leakage. In some cases, anti-VEGF medications may also be injected into the eye to help slow the growth of new blood vessels as well as treat leaking fluid in the eye, called diabetic macular edema. With early detection and proper treatment, serious vision loss can often be prevented during the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated. It is important for people with diabetes to have an annual dilated comprehensive eye exam in order to detect any signs of vision changes and diabetic retinopathy and prevent further damage. If you have diabetes, please schedule an appointment today. We offer comprehensive dilated eye exams that can help detect the early stages of this disease.
“Best crew of people I have ever encountered at a medical office in my life. Kind, highly educated, prompt, friendly and they all make you feel so at ease.”
“All of the individuals at Legarreta Eye Center are kind, caring, and compassionate. This makes my regular visits comfortable and stress-free.”
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