Dr. Gurvinder Kaur

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to swell, leak, or close off entirely, which can lead to vision loss.

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There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative and proliferative. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage, where the blood vessels in the retina weaken and leak fluid or blood. This can cause swelling in the retina and the formation of deposits called exudates. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced stage, characterized by the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the retina’s surface. These new vessels are fragile and can bleed easily, leading to severe vision loss or blindness.

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Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may not be noticeable in the early stages, which is why regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, dark or empty areas in your vision, and difficulty seeing at night. Timely detection and treatment are crucial to preventing significant vision loss.

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At Dr. Gurvinder Kaur’s clinic, we offer comprehensive eye exams to detect diabetic retinopathy early. Our diagnostic tools include dilated eye exams, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography, which allow us to examine the retina in detail and assess the extent of damage.

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Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, managing diabetes effectively through blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of retinopathy. For more advanced stages, treatment options include laser therapy (photocoagulation), which can seal leaking blood vessels and reduce the growth of new vessels; intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs, which help reduce swelling and prevent new blood vessel formation; and vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye.

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Preventing diabetic retinopathy involves regular monitoring of your eye health and managing your diabetes effectively. This includes maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.

 

Our clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with diabetic retinopathy, from early detection to advanced treatment options. We work closely with you and your healthcare team to manage your condition and preserve your vision. If you have diabetes, schedule an eye exam with us to protect your sight and maintain your quality of life.