Understanding how diabetes can affect your vision and cause Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a great first step toward understanding how to treat it.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic 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. – from National Eye Institute website (nei.com)
Read more about Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is to prevent it. Strict control of your blood sugar will significantly reduce the long-term risk of vision loss. Treatment usually won't cure diabetic retinopathy nor does it usually restore normal vision, but it may slow the progression of vision loss. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy progresses steadily from minimal to severe stages. – from eyeSmart.com
Treatment options includes:
- Laser Surgery
- Vitrectomy Surgery
- Medication Injections
Read more about Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
Visit our Diabetic Eye Center
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There are several forms of macular degeneration, but the fastest growing form is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the number one cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in adults over 60 in the U.S.
Treatment options includes:
- LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab) Injection
- EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection
Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins for AMD
Lutein
Lutein is called a carotenoid vitamin. It is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.
AREDS 2 Formula
Studies indicate that proper nutrition is important to help maintain eye health. As we age, our eyes may not get enough nutrition through diet alone. PreserVision® Eye Vitamin AREDS 2 formula contains 10 mg of lutein, 2 mg of zeaxanthin, 1000 mg of Omega-3 per daily dosage, and the antioxidants vitamins C and E that are essential to the health of your eyes. * The leading multi-vitamins contain only a fraction of the amounts found to be beneficial.
Ojo Nectar
OJO contains ingredients clinically proven to promote eye health. It’s unique formulation was designed for the millions with AMD and for those interested in proactively protecting and preserving vision.
Nutrition
There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers. Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day–either through foods or supplements–can help save your vision. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration.
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. If not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
Read more about Retina Detachment
Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain.
Treatment options includes:
- LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab) Injection
- EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection
- OZURDEX® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant)
Sometimes as the vitreous pulls away from the macula, it remains partially stuck and pulls on the surface. This pulling and distortion of the normal macular structure is called vitreomacular traction (VMT).
Treatment options includes:
- JETREA® (ocriplasmin) Intravitreal Injection
Vision related links to help you manage your symptoms and condition.
Vision Aware - Resources for Independent Living with Vision Loss
National Eye Institute
MD Support - Information and personal assistance for people dealing with macular degeneration and other retinal diseases
National Federation of the Blind
Prevent Blindness
Veterans Affairs - Blind Rehabilitation Services
Lighthouse Guild
