A vitrectomy is an eye operation. It is performed by retina specialists for a variety of reasons. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be useful to remove blood in the vitreous, aka a vitreous hemorrhage. There is no reason, to perform a vitrectomy in cases of macular degeneration. In cases of vitreous hemorrhage, bleeding has and blood remains suspended in the … [Read more...]
Diabetes and Retinal Detachments
November 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Two types of retinal detachments. One group, called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, can occur in any one and involves the formation of a tear or hole in the retina. The second group, called traction retinal detachments, involves tissue forming on the surface of the retina and "pulling" the retina to form a detachment. This is the case with diabetic related retinal detachments. Maintain … [Read more...]
Diabetes Unlikely to Cause Blindness
October 14, 2009 By 9 Comments
Today's post is about one of my own observations from over 15 years in practice. While it is a fact that significant vision loss from diabetes is declining, it is not widely known that there is also a very finite time where patients with diabetes can go blind, there is only a finite time while the risk of blindness is highest. In short, the chance of a diabetic patient going blind these days … [Read more...]
Successful Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
September 3, 2009 By 1 Comment
I have a patient, BG, with diabetes mellitus. BG has had diabetes for over 45 years. She is 60 years old. I saw her yesterday and will not see her for another 6 months. She has had a long course with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Her vision is 20/25 in both eyes. BG has had multiple laser treatments and vitrectomy surgery. I want to share her success. I want to highlight … [Read more...]
Why Diabetics Need to Get Eye Exams
July 23, 2009 By 1 Comment
Whether or not you are newly diagnosed or a veteran of diabetes, you need to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Recommendations by the ADA and the AAO are that every diabetic get a complete eye exam, including a dilated exam (pupils get dilated) to allow proper examination of the retina. If you are newly diagnosed, you may have noticed blurry vision recently. Large fluctuations of … [Read more...]
