Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist
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Mile High Retina: Mark E. Patron, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Retina Surgeon located in Denver, Colorado
If your diabetes is not under control, your disease can lead to additional health problems, including diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. At Mile High Retina located in Denver, Colorado, board-certified ophthalmologist and retina surgeon Mark E. Patron, MD, provides the highest level of care for eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. Managing diabetes and getting regular eye exams is the best way to prevent this condition from progressing. Call to schedule a diabetic eye exam today.
Diabetic Retinopathy Q & A
What is diabetic retinopathy?
The retina is the light-sensitive part of your eye that sends messages to your brain to interpret what you see.
When you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can develop as a side effect. Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in your retina to become damaged and can eventually lead to vision loss if left untreated.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing diabetic retinopathy as they get older. If you are able to keep your levels at a manageable level, strict blood sugar control can help prevent the onset or progression of diabetic retinopathy.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
In the early stages of the disease, you may not be aware that diabetic retinopathy is developing or progressing. It is important to get eye exams regularly if you are diabetic. As the condition gets worse, you may notice any of the following signs:
- Blurry vision
- Strings or spots (floaters) in your vision
- Colors that appear faded or washed out
- Areas in your vision that are dark
- Fluctuations in your vision that go from blurry to clear
- Poor night vision
Over time, too much blood sugar can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish your retina, leading to bleeding and fluid leakage. When your body attempts to replace the damaged blood vessels with new ones, the new ones do not develop properly and may lead to significant bleeding and scar tissue formation.
What treatments can help manage diabetic retinopathy?
Treatment often depends on the extent of the disease and how it is affecting your ocular health and vision. Dr. Patron examines your eyes and performs diagnostic imaging tests to develop a treatment plan that will work best for you.
Retina injections can decrease leakage and prevent new blood vessels from forming. Dr. Patron offers anti-VEGF drugs, including Lucentis®, Eylea®, and Avastin®, to help keep your condition from progressing and causing further damage.
Laser surgery is another treatment option that can seal leaky blood vessels in your eye and help prevent other ones from bleeding.
To learn more about successfully managing diabetic retinopathy, Call Mile High Retina to schedule a consultation today.
