- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that impacts the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetes can cause these vessels to:
- Deteriorate
- Leak fluid or blood
- Swell
- Grow new blood vessels over the retina completely
In cases where the vessels swell or leak fluid/blood, the retina scars or becomes damaged and the light image sent to the brain becomes blurry.
Blindness occurs when the blood vessels leak blood into the center of the eye or through macular edema. Macular edema is when blood or fluid is leaked on or under the macula of the eye, the area of your eye that allows you to see form, color and detail.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Rapid City
Diabetic retinopathy can be treated in two ways:
- Laser surgery technology is used to focus the laser on the damaged retina so the heat from the laser’s energy stops the bleeding by sealing the blood vessels
- The blood-filled portion of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial solution
People who have had diabetes for a long time have a higher risk of developing this eye condition. If you are diabetic, it’s very important to have your eyes examined regularly by an experienced ophthalmologist and report any change in vision immediately. Wright Vision Center does not offer treatment to diabetic retinopathy at this time, we would be happy to give you a recommendation to one of our trusted partners in eye care who does treat this condition.