Diabetic Retinopathy Information and Treatment – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
If you have diabetes, your risk of certain eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, increases. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease, and the leading cause of blindness, in American adults. At Northwest Eye, we are dedicated to helping patients prevent or slow the progression of this condition. We provide advanced diabetic retinopathy treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding Twin Cities-area communities. Our team of ophthalmologists is dedicated to providing outstanding care at each of our state-of-the-art facilities. To learn more about diabetic eye conditions and treatment options, contact one of our offices today.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic eye disease caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The blood vessels in the retina may swell and leak fluid (macular edema), or new abnormal blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina (proliferative retinopathy).
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
The disease typically progresses in four stages - the types of diabetic retinopathy:
Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy - Microaneurysms (small balloon-like swelling of the retinal blood vessels) occur.
Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy - Blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked.
Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy - More blood vessels become blocked, depriving areas of the retina of their blood supply.
Proliferative Retinopathy - The body responds to the retinal blood vessel blockage by developing new, abnormal (and thinly-walled) blood vessels.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic, so it is important for diabetic patients to be screened for the condition regularly. As the disease progresses, patients may notice an increase in retinal blood vessels, a gradual blurring of their vision, difficulty reading, spotty or hazy vision, or complete vision loss.
If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, contact Northwest Eye. We serve Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention: managing one's diabetes through proper diet, exercise, and blood sugar management. Even when diabetic retinopathy progresses, the vision loss it causes can be improved, most often with laser surgery. If the retinal bleeding is severe, we may recommend vitrectomy, which removes blood from the center of the eye.
Contact Northwest Eye
Northwest Eye provides outstanding treatment for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. If you live in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, or a nearby area and would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact Northwest Eye. We look forward to providing the expert and dedicated treatment you deserve.