Diabetic Retinopathy

People with diabetes develop an eye disorder called diabetic retinopathy. In this disorder damage to blood vessels caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels lead to retinal bleeding and inflammation. The weakened blood vessels also become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood blow to certain areas of retina.

Over time, these changes in the retina due to diabetic retinopathy may result in various complications, including diabetic macular edema (accumulation of fluid in the retina affecting central vision) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (abnormal blood vessels on the retina’s surface, increasing risk of bleeding and retinal detachment)

Diabetic retinopathy has the alarming capacity to cause significant vision impairment and even blindness. However, with timely diagnosis and effective management, diabetic retinopathy is a highly preventable and treatable disorder.

At New England Retina Care we prioritize the proactive management of diabetic retinopathy. We perform regular retina exams to monitor the progression of the disorder. Should our exams reveal any complication of diabetic retinopathy or related concerns, our experienced team is equipped to offer targeted treatments including injection of medicine into the eye, laser therapy or even surgery to prevent further vision loss and halt the progression of the disorder. We maintain open communication with our patients’ primary care physicians and endocrinologist to ensure coordinated approach to their overall health and diabetes management.