Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy is the next progression of diabetic retinopathy. Using the IVF, it is possible to precisely and directly observe the circulation and the integrity of the blood vessels in the retina so that we can identify any blood vessels that may be blocked. The IVF is performed by injecting a fluorescent dye into an arm vein and then, using a specialized camera, taking a series of photographs of the retina as the dye circulates throughout the retinal blood vessels. The Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram is performed right in our office. The best way to diagnose blockage of the small blood vessels in the retina is by having a diagnostic test called an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF). The blockage of these tiny blood vessels causes a decrease in the supply of nutrients and oxygen to certain areas of the retina. During this stage, some of the small blood vessels in the retina may actually become blocked. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy is the second and slightly more severe stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you have Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy, your doctor will make specific recommendations about how often you will need to be examined and whether additional diagnostic testing such as retinal photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography might be necessary. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy can be present without any change in your vision and usually does not require treatment unless it progresses or is accompanied by Diabetic Macular Edema. ![]() Microaneurysms are areas of balloon-like swelling of the tiny retinal blood caused by the weakening of their structure. The earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy is called Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy and is characterized by the presence of “dot” and “blot” hemorrhages and “microaneurysms” in the retina. With early diagnosis and treatment, progression of diabetic eye disease and its associated vision loss can at a minimum be slowed, and in many cases vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented.ĭiabetic Retinopathy occurs and progresses in stages. It is also important for patients with diabetes to help reduce their risk of developing diabetic eye disease by not smoking, lowering their cholesterol and lipid profile, and controlling blood pressure, as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, and exercising. ![]() It is well documented that tight blood sugar control delays the onset and slows the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that diabetes affects approximately 26 million people in the United States with almost 8 million people ages 40 and older suffering from diabetic retinopathy and that diabetes is now the leading cause of new blindness in adults 20-74 years of age.ĭiabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes characterized by a weakening of blood vessels in the retina so that they leak, causing the retina to swell, bleed, and become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, ultimately leading to vision loss. While there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, annual dilated eye exams for patients with diabetes are essential for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. By working together with patients and their primary care physicians, the eye doctors at Baltimore Washington Eye Center can help to slow or even prevent vision loss from diabetic eye problems and diabetic retinopathy.
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