The Macula Center
of North Carolina
709 Fifth Ave West
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Main Office 693-0747
Toll Free (866) 693-0747

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

The Macula Center of North Carolina of North Carolina provides treatment for Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.

In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.

Does Diabetic Retinopathy have any symptoms?

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, nor is there any pain. Don't wait for symptoms. Be sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Comparision of normal vision versus vision with diabetic retinopathyBlurred vision may occur when the macula—the part of the retina that provides sharp central vision—swells from leaking fluid. This condition is called macular edema.

If new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye and block vision.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?

Careful dilated eye examination should be performed by your primary eye care doctor on a regular basis at least once a year.  If Diabetic Retinopathy is detected, the Macula Center of North Carolina offers state-of-the–art diagnostic testing.

Special testing for Retinal and Macular Disease

  • The Macula Center of NorThe Macula Center is proud to be one of the first retinal practices to offer Zeiss Cirrus 3-D High Definition scanning for macular disease.Digital Angiography - The Macular Center offers world-class digital photographic and angiographic testing.  In these tests, special photographs are taken of the retina, sometimes including a small dye injection in the arm.  These images allow precise diagnosis and treatment of retinal disease.
  • High Definition OCT - The Macula Center is proud to be one of the first retinal practices to offer Zeiss Cirrus 3-D High Definition scanning for macular disease.  This safe, non-invasive scan provides the latest in imaging quality for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Depending on the severity of retinal involvement, many treatment options are available.

  • Laser Photo coagulation - The use of laser light to coagulate leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling and bleeding and swelling.  Laser treatment is performed in the office and is both safe and effective.  The Macula Center of North Carolina offers the latest in state-of the-art Zeiss® laser technology.
  • Drug Therapy - In certain cases, DR can be treated by injectable drugs.  The eye is pretreated with anesthetics and antibiotics. This office procedure is safe and effective.
  • Surgery - Advanced cases of Diabetic Retinopathy are treatable with modern hospital based surgery called vitrectomy.  This procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia, involves removing the vitreous fluid to clear away hemorrhage or repair retinal detachment.  Dr. Laborde now offers the latest in small incision, sutureless vitrectomy.  During his training, Dr. Laborde had the great honor of completing his retinal fellowship under Dr. Steve Charles, perhaps the foremost pioneer in modern retinal surgical technique.

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Ref: National Eye Institute 2007