![]() It may appear that these specks are on the front surface of your eye, but they are actually inside. This causes gel particles to become loose and float around the eye. As we age, the normal jello-like consistency of the vitreous begins to liquefy and pull away from its natural attachments on the inside surface of the eye. The space located between the lens of the eye and the retina is filled with a material called vitreous, which is similar to clear jello. This is very common, especially as we age, and typically are not a cause for immediate concern unless excessive. Early detection is critical, which is why yearly dilated exams are recommended to all diabetic patients.įloaters are seen as spots, specks or flecks that drift into the field of vision. Diabetic Retinopathy Symptomsīecause diabetic retinopathy often develops with few or no symptoms, many patients go undiagnosed and find themselves left with no treatment options by the time they discover the disease. If left untreated, the bleeding will produce scarring and possible retinal detachment. In turn, the retina begins to grow abnormal new blood vessels which are fragile and hemorrhage easily. The blood vessels in the retina become weaker, carrying less oxygen and nutrients to the retinal tissue. If the disease progresses to the proliferative stage, both central and peripheral vision are affected. In the non-proliferative stage, the blood vessels begin to leak, causing the retina to swell and produce blurry vision. Prolonged high blood sugar levels may result in damage to blood vessels in the retina causing them to leak.ĭiabetic retinopathy progresses from the early stage of the disease, known as non-proliferative, to the later stage, known as proliferative. Wear sunglasses with an ultraviolet (U.V.) filter to protect the eyes from the damaging rays of the sun.Īs a diabetic patient, it is important to be monitored yearly for changes in the retina.Take a good nutritional supplement such as Lutein that includes antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids.Report any changes in its appearance to your doctor immediately. This grid aids in early detection of changes that may require treatment. Monitor your vision weekly with an amsler grid.Recommendations for Macular Degeneration patients: These treatments include Lucentis, Avastin, Macugen, and laser. Treatment for wet macular degeneration is aimed towards sealing the leaking or bleeding blood vessels. This type of Macular Degeneration may cause a sudden loss of vision Or a slow progression of symptoms over time. When this happens the central vision becomes distorted. These new vessels are very fragile and leaky, bringing damage to the surrounding tissue and causing the retina to lift up. Wet macular degeneration occurs when new blood vessels grow beneath the oxygen-deprived retina. The wet form of macular degeneration tends to be more visually aggressive. Patients with dry macular degeneration should be monitored very closely for conversion to the wet form. Because there is no leakage, this form is considered “dry”. This type of Macular Degeneration causes a slow deterioration in the light sensitive cells in the macula. These are metabolic by-products (accumulated retinal waste) that are deposited in the central retina, causing the retina to become thinner. Drusen are the clinical hallmark of the dry form of macular degeneration. If you see any distortion or dark areas in the square you need to call your eye physician immediately.Īge-related macular degeneration.Eye vision disorder.Diagram of the eyeĭry macular degeneration is characterized by a slow deterioration in vision. While wearing the glasses you would normally wear, cover one eye and look at the black spot in the center of the square. Dark or blank areas appear in the center of your visionĪn Amsler Grid can be used to help monitor your vision for macular degeneration.Straight lines appear wavy, crooked or disconnected.Nutritional factors such as deficiency in vitamin B, E, zinc, and/or Magnesium intake may also play a role. Although the exact cause of macular degeneration is not known, risk factors include advancing age, family history, exposure to UV light, and smoking. Total blindness rarely occurs from macular degeneration. ![]() As a result, normal daily activities such as reading and driving are affected by this disease. It is the only part of the retina capable of seeing fine detail. The macula is part of the retina located in the back of the eye and is responsible for central vision. This results in deterioration in the central retina (macula) and affects the central vision, leaving peripheral vision intact. This degenerative condition is caused by inflammation to the tissues and nerves in the eye. Macular Degeneration affects approximately 25% of individuals over 50 years of age. ![]()
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