Is there screening for diabetic retinopathy?
It is very important that people with diabetes be monitored regularly by both a doctor specializing in diabetes (typically an endocrinologist) as well as an ophthalmologist. If diabetic retinopathy is “caught” early, there will be a better long term outcome. How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by a full eye exam by an ophthalmologist. The full eye exam includes direct visualization of the retina (with an ophthalmoscope), visual acuity tests and eye pressure measurements. Sometimes, the ophthalmologist may request more extensive imaging with a technology called fluorescein angiography, in which fluorescent dye is injected into the blood vessels to help visualization of the retina. How is diabetic retinopathy treated? Treatment of diabetic retinopathy is usually delayed until later stages of the disease (but before significant damage). There are 3 common forms of treatments: Laser treatment: In laser treatment, the ophthalmologist uses lasers to destr
