Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy affects the retina, the part of your eye responsible for capturing light and creating images. High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to this condition.

Early intervention is crucial for managing this condition, as it can result in severe vision loss if left untreated. Additionally, regular eye exams and proper diabetes management can significantly improve quality of life.

What You Need to Know

Dr. Carlos Montoya and the team at St. Lucia Eye Center specialize in treating diabetic retinopathy. Using advanced treatments, we offer personalized care to help protect your vision.

Dr. Montoya Offers Tailored Treatments Based on Each Patient’s Needs Using the Latest Technologies to Preserve Vision

Benefits

  • Prevents further damage to the retina
  • Can improve vision or halt deterioration
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Early detection leads to better outcomes
  • Minimizes the risk of severe complications like blindness
Diabetic Retinopathy at Eye Care Clinic in Los Angeles - St. Lucia Eye Center

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. However, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce or prevent the risk of severe vision loss.

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Symptoms
  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Dark spots or floaters
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sudden vision loss (in advanced stages)
Given that early stages of this condition often have no symptoms, yearly comprehensive eye exams are crucial.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

In the early stage, blood vessels in the retina may swell, leak fluid, or become blocked. As a result, treatment primarily focuses on controlling blood sugar levels and preventing further progression of the condition.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

In this advanced stage, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, which can lead to bleeding, retinal detachment, and severe vision loss. Therefore, timely treatment is essential to prevent further complications and preserve vision.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

As a result of prolonged high blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, damage to the retina can occur and cause vision loss.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

Chronic hyperglycemia damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to leaks, weakness, or abnormal dilation.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

Poor management of blood sugar accelerates retinal blood vessel damage, ultimately causing vision loss.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension can contribute to an increased risk of blood vessel damage in the retina.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol frequently contributes to fatty deposits in the retina, thus worsening damage.

Kidney Disease

Poor kidney function frequently correlates with worsening eye complications, which underscores the importance of managing both conditions.

Smoking

Smoking impairs the oxygen supply to the retina, therefore worsening the damage.

We Believe That Everyone Deserves to Enjoy Life With
Clear Vision

Dr. Carlos Montoya and the team at St. Lucia Eye Center offer personalized care to help you manage diabetic retinopathy and maintain your vision. Don’t wait—schedule a comprehensive eye exam and take the first step toward protecting your sight.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

At St. Lucia Eye Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect diabetic retinopathy in its earliest stages. With early care, most patients can protect their vision and significantly prevent severe complications.

Anti-VEGF Injections

Medications to reduce swelling and stop abnormal blood vessel growth.

Laser Therapy (PRP)

A laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce the risk of further damage.

Vitrectomy

Surgical procedure to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye and repair retinal detachment in advanced cases.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. However, with proper diabetes management and regular eye care, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious complications.

An eye chart that can be used to measure visual acuity

When Do You Need Treatment?

Surgery may be required if you have advanced diabetic retinopathy, particularly if complications such as retinal detachment or severe bleeding occur. In such cases, specialized surgical procedures may be necessary to preserve or restore vision.

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Are you a Candidate?
  • People with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
  • Individuals experiencing vision changes due to high blood sugar
  • Those with a family history of diabetic retinopathy
Timing

Early detection is crucial. As a result, the sooner treatment begins, the more likely it is that vision loss can be prevented.

Driving Requirements

Vision may be impacted in advanced stages. As a result, you may require assistance with driving.

Scheduling

Regular eye exams are essential for those with diabetes since they help detect any changes in the retina before they cause significant problems.

What else you should know

Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive condition that can be controlled effectively with proper treatment and careful management of diabetes. In addition, consistent monitoring helps avoid severe complications and ensures the preservation of vision.

Early Detection Saves Sight

Regular eye exams are the key to catching diabetic retinopathy in its earliest stages.

Managing Diabetes Reduces Risk

Maintaining blood sugar levels in control is essential for preventing or slowing the progression.

Vision Recovery

Early treatments, such as injections and laser therapy, can help stop the progression and restore vision in some cases.

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