Diagnosis & Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy at Brass Eye Center in Albany New York

Background Diabetic Retinopathy is the first phase of Diabetic Retinopathy. In Type I, or Juvenile Diabetes, Background Diabetic Retinopathy does not usually appear until 3-5 years after the initial diagnosis of the disease. In Type II, or Adult Onset Diabetes, background Diabetic Retinopathy may actually present at the time of diagnosis. Thus, any patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes should immediately schedule a routine eye examination and diabetic eye examination. From this examination, Dr. Brass will make specific recommendations about how often you will need to be reexamined.

If you have Background Diabetic Retinopathy, Dr. Brass will be able to observe the presence of  “dot” and “blotch” hemorrhages and “microanuerysms” in the retina during your examination. Often, Background Diabetic Retinopathy can be present without any disturbance of your vision. Background Diabetic Retinopathy usually does not require treatment unless it progresses to a phase called Pre-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. From his observations during your examination, Dr. Brass will make specific recommendations about how often you will need to be reexamined 

Normally, the small blood vessels in the retina do not leak. One of the early effects of diabetes is to cause the blood vessels in the retina to begin to leak by weakening the inner lining of the blood vessels so that they become porous. Leakage from the retinal blood vessels causes the center of the retina, the Macula, to actually swell, a condition called Diabetic Macular Edema. The Macula is responsible for central vision, and thus Diabetic Macular Edema can result in vision loss of varying severity. The most effective and accurate way to observe and diagnose Diabetic Macular Edema is to perform an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF). The Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram is performed by injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in your arm and then taking a series of photographs of the retina as the dye circulates throughout the retinal blood vessels. Using the IVF, it is possible to precisely and directly observe the circulation and the integrity of the blood vessels in the retina. This diagnostic test allows Dr. Brass to evaluate the severity and location of “leaky” blood vessels. It is important that leaking blood vessels be found as early as possible so that they can be most effectively sealed with laser photocoagulation. In most cases, early laser treatment will reduce the swelling and prevent further vision loss, but will not restore vision that has already been compromised. It is possible to have Diabetic Macular Edema and not have vision loss. Dr. Brass will make recommendations as to whether laser photocoagulation is the best course of treatment to prevent vision loss in these instances. Any diagnosis of Diabetic Macular Edema is an indication that breakdown of the retinal blood vessels from diabetes is starting to occur and requires careful monitoring.

Today, we know that all diabetics need to have regular eye exams because with the early and aggressive treatment of diabetic retinopathy it is possible to maintain vision and prevent severe vision loss for many patients. The National Institutes of Health and the National Eye Institute have funded large scale, multi-center, controlled studies including the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), the Diabetic Retinopathy Study (DRS) and the Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy Study (DRVS) that have produced treatment guidelines indicating which patients may benefit from various treatment options to preserve vision and delay progression of vision loss. Dr. Brass uses the results of these studies to guide patients in the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy since with early treatment it is possible for patients with diabetic retinopathy to have only half the likelihood of losing vision as compared to those patients who fail to receive early treatment.

It is especially important for patients with diabetes to maintain good overall health. First, rigid control of blood sugar levels is key for protecting the health of the small blood vessels and circulation in your heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and eyes. Diabetic patients should work to reduce any and all risk factors for vascular disease including controlling their blood pressure, not smoking, reducing dietary fat consumption to lower cholesterol and trigycerides and exercising regularly. Always follow your physicians’ directions and advice. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or even if you are just glucose intolerant, you should have a thorough diabetic eye examination at Brass Eye Center. Please call 518.782.7827 or e-mail us to schedule a convenient appointment.

Brass Eye Center is conveniently located for patients seeking diagnosis and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy from Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Cohoes, East Glenville, Loudonville, Mechanicsville, Niskyuna, Rexford, Westmere, Colonie, Half Moon and Delmar New York. Please phone 518.782.7827 to schedule an appointment for a Consultation for Diabetic Retinopathy.