Diabetic retinopathy is the most common type of retinopathy and can cause blindness. Laser therapy is a common treatment, but prevention through blood sugar control is best. Premature babies can also develop retinopathy, which can be treated with surgery.
The most common retinopathy is almost always seen in the phrase “diabetic retinopathy.” It is, in fact, the deterioration of the eye’s retina caused by diabetes. It is the leading cause of blindness among diabetics.
Long-term diabetes, especially if not well controlled, almost always leads to circulatory problems. The blood-rich environment of the retina is no exception. Advanced retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina weaken and leak into the eye, causing clots and blocking vision.
Retinopathy is often treated with laser therapy, which effectively seals leaky blood vessels in the retina. For more advanced retinopathy, multiple treatments may be needed. If there is a large amount of blood in the eye, it may need to be removed via eye surgery.
There are few early warning signs for retinopathy. Anyone who is at risk for the disease should have regular eye checkups and should always tell their optometrist that they are diabetic. The best treatment for retinopathy is prevention through blood sugar control with diet, medication, and exercise.
The other rare type of retinopathy occurs in very premature babies. It usually corrects itself in the early stages, but can cause serious vision problems if it progresses. Essentially, the normal development of blood vessels in the retina is disrupted when the baby is born so early. Because premature babies are often unable to maintain their oxygen saturation and use supplemental oxygen, blood vessels do not develop properly to maintain an adequate blood supply to the retina.
A premature baby is usually monitored closely for signs of the disorder and the doctor may order a surgical procedure if the retinopathy is advanced enough. This will often help preserve your child’s vision well into adulthood. Retinopathy can rarely be prevented in a premature infant, but can often be prevented in diabetics by carefully monitoring one’s diet and blood sugar level.
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