DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in some patients who have diabetes. Signs of diabetic retinopathy include leakage of fluids (such as blood) and leaking of fats or lipids which can cause retinal swelling, as well as the branching out of tiny unstable blood vessels in the retina. A patient can be asymptomatic or have a change in their vision depending on where the retinopathy has occurred. It is the leading cause of
blindness in the United States in people ages 20 to 64. Ninety-eight percent of all patients who are insulin-dependent will have some form of diabetic retinopathy after 15 years of having diabetes and the severity typically increases with the duration of the disease. In those who have non-insulin dependent diabetes, 60% of the patients will have diabetic retinopathy at the time of diagnosis of the diabetes. Dilated eye examinations are necessary 6 to 12 months to screen for retinopathy so that it can be treated earlier rather than late.
Lebanon Eyecare Associates
2627 W. Cumberland St.
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 272-3068
