What Is Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery?
Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of blindness in adults in America and around the world. Affecting people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition in which the blood vessels of the retina become damaged and leak. In the early stages, many patients may not even have any noticeable symptoms. However, the damage can worsen with time, causing vision and eye health issues and, in some cases, even blindness. That's why at Wicker Park Eye Center, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Tepper and his experienced team offer testing and diagnosis along with vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation to treat diabetic retinopathy. If you're in the Greater Chicago area, contact our Chicago, IL office to learn more about diabetic retinopathy surgery and schedule an appointment. Protect your eyes today for healthier vision tomorrow.
Reviews
How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery Done?
Dr. Tepper will examine your eyes to determine which procedure is necessary for the stage of your condition. In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed. During each procedure, Dr. Tepper will directly address the issue causing vision impairment. Diabetic retinopathy treatment options at Wicker Park Eye Center include:
Vitrectomy
VitrectomyThe eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops, and an incision is made in the eye. Then the blood and vitreous tissue are removed. To accommodate the natural shape of the eye, the tissue is replaced with a saline solution. If necessary, scar tissue will also be removed.
Laser Photocoagulation
A laser is directed at the abnormal blood vessels, shrinking them or melding them closed to stop the leaking. This procedure is quick, often taking less than 20 minutes. After you're done, you will need to have someone drive you home since your eyes will be dilated.
Facing the possibility of blindness can be overwhelming
Surgical treatments, such as PRP, have been proven to be effective in more than 50% of patients
*According to the journal of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in adults 20-74 years old. While it is not fully curable, surgical treatments such as pan-retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) have been proven to be effective for many patients.
Diabetic retinopathy FAQ
What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?
The risk factors for diabetic retinopathy vary based on your age, heredity, and lifestyle choices that impact your overall health as well as your eye health. Patients are more likely to develop this condition if they have uncontrolled diabetes, consistently high blood pressure or cholesterol, poor control over their blood sugar levels, or smoke.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Many people do not experience symptoms of diabetic retinopathy right away. It can take years or even decades for symptoms to develop, so you may not notice any vision loss until the disease has progressed significantly. Patients in Chicago, IL, should watch out for spots or dark strings floating in their vision, blurry or fluctuating vision, or dark areas in their field of vision.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
The trusted professionals at Wickerpark Eye Center can diagnose diabetic retinopathy after a comprehensive eye exam. Our team will carefully examine the retina in order to check for retinal damage, which is a common sign of diabetic eye disease. We may also ask about your health history of diabetes and other health conditions.
Protect the health of your eyes
Don't wait to protect your eyes until after the damage is done. At Wicker Park Eye Center, Dr. David Tepper and his team provide early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy issues to help you get the prompt treatment you need. With both vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation, we can ensure you get the right treatment. If you're in Chicago, IL, or the Greater Chicago area, contact us today to learn more about diabetic retinopathy surgery and schedule an appointment to protect your vision.
