Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Wyomissing, PA

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can threaten your eyesight. It affects people with diabetes and causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, these blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, leading to vision problems. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. But don’t worry – diabetic retinopathy treatment is available in Wyomissing, PA, at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania.

Treatment options

Fortunately, several treatment options exist to manage the condition and prevent its progression.

• Regular Monitoring and Control of Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range is crucial in preventing and managing diabetic retinopathy. Patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly and adhere to a healthy diet, exercise regimen, and medication plan prescribed by their healthcare provider.
• Control of Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels is vital for preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations to keep them within the target range.
• Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and intervention can help prevent vision loss. Patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year or more frequently, as their ophthalmologist recommends.
• Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Injections: Anti-VEGF injections are a common treatment for diabetic retinopathy. These injections help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. By blocking the action of VEGF, these injections can help improve vision and prevent further damage to the retina. Patients may require multiple injections over time, as determined by their ophthalmologist.
• Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Laser treatment, also known as photocoagulation, is another effective method for managing diabetic retinopathy. This treatment helps to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Laser treatment can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and reduce the risk of vision loss. However, it may not improve vision that has already been lost.
• Vitrectomy: In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy where there is significant bleeding into the vitreous gel that fills the eye, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be necessary. During a vitrectomy, the surgeon removes blood and scar tissue from the eye to improve vision. Vitrectomy is usually considered when other treatments have not been successful.
• Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be used to reduce macular edema (swelling in the central part of the retina). These injections help to decrease inflammation and reduce fluid buildup in the retina, thereby improving vision.

Treatment with us

Individuals with diabetes need to work closely with a healthcare team to manage the condition and prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania team wants to be part of that healthcare team to help you reduce the risk of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy. Wyomissing, PA, residents have diabetic retinopathy treatment available right here in town. Schedule an appointment with us today.