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Everyone knows someone who has been affected by diabetes. Affecting roughly 1 in 10 Americans as of 2024, it is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in both children and adults.
While side effects such as fatigue, numbness, and kidney problems are well known, many patients may not realize that their vision issues could also be linked to diabetes.
Diabetes can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can lead to swollen, leaking, or abnormal retinal blood vessels.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in two main stages:
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are:
Approximately 1 in 3 people with diabetes in the United States experience some form of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, about 5% develop vision loss caused by the disease.
According to Dr. Omar Punjabi, a retina specialist at CEENTA’s SouthPark and Matthews offices, “Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in working-age adults (ages 25-45) in the United States.”
Along with proper glucose management and lifestyle adjustments, treatment for diabetic retinopathy may include:
Medications are injected into the eye to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels that can harm the retina.
A laser is used to seal or destroy damaged retinal blood vessels to prevent further leakage and reduce swelling.
This surgical procedure removes blood or scar tissue from the eye and is often performed in cases of retinal detachment or severe bleeding.
As part of regular diabetes care, your primary care physician may refer you to a retina specialist for a comprehensive eye examination and personalized treatment plan.
“Screening eye exams are important to detect early findings in this condition, since diabetic retinopathy is preventable and symptoms occur late in the disease. Early diagnosis and management are the key to preventing blindness from complications such as macular edema (retinal swelling) and retinal neovascularization (abnormal blood vessels),” says Dr. Punjabi.
CEENTA’s retina specialists have extensive fellowship training and offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for diabetic retinopathy. With nearly twenty offices in the Carolinas, finding retina care has never been easier.
“I feel fortunate to be part of a world-class retina team at CEENTA,” says Dr. Punjabi. “We are surrounded by a fantastic clinical staff and administrators who allow us to provide excellent care to the Charlotte community."
To schedule with our retina team, including our newest retina specialists, Alexander Barnes, MD, or Matthew Wilde, MD, please call 704-295-3000.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
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CEENTA is pleased to announce the arrival of neuro-ophthalmologist Alexandra “Ola” Pietraszkiewicz, MD, and retina specialist Matthew Wilde, MD.
CEENTA is pleased to welcome Alexander Barnes, MD, and Joshua Kain, MD, FACS to our practice.
