• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Astigmatism
• Cataract
• Chalazion
• Choroidal Nevus
• Conjunctivitis
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Dry Eye
• Farsightedness
• Glaucoma
• Keratoconus
• Nearsightedness
• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) / Floaters
• Presbyopia
• Pterygium
• Refractive Error
• Strabismus

Diabetic Retinopathy

Inasmuch as diabetes affects blood vessels in other parts of the body (ie: neuropathy), this ravaging disease can also damage the blood vessels in the retina (the tissue that lines the inside of the back of the eye).  There are two types of diabetic retinopathy:

1. Non-proliferative (NPDR):  Also termed background retinopathy, the blood vessels of the retina are weak and swell, causing balloon-like bulges called microaneurysms.  When these microaneurysms leak into the macula (central part of the retina, responsible for near vision), diabetic macular edema occurs.  This condition can be managed by either focal or grid laser treatment.

2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):  This is the advanced stage of retinopathy in which new, abnormal tiny blood vessels form on the surface of the retina (neovascularization).  However, these new blood vessels are fragile and do not carry blood properly.  The result may be bleeding from these vessels into the vitreous cavity (vitreous hemorrhage), causing blurry or hazy vision. 

Diagnostic tests such as fluorescein angiography and/or OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) may be ordered to determine if you have any of the above conditions and will be useful if treatment is needed.

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Focal laser treatment (also called macular laser photocoagulation) may be done for diabetic macular edema.  Small laser burns are carefully applied to the area where there is fluid or leakage.  Intravitreal injections may also be considered if the leakage is diffuse.

Scatter laser treatment (also called panretinal photocoagulation) is applied to the background peripheral retina for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.  This causes the abnormal blood vessels in the retina to shrink. 

A vitrectomy (removal and replacement of the vitreous) may be required if there is a non-clearing hemorrhage inside the eye.