First of all, congratulations on a well written article!
As a retina specialist, an ophthalmologist who treats retinal disease, I take care of patients with diabetic retinopathy. I think your summary is terrific.
I would like to underscore two of your points;
1. The biggest risk factor leading to the development of the disease is the length of time you have been diabetic. Early examination, before any vision changes occur, is key to long term vision preservation.
2. There are emerging treatments that have started to replace the age-old laser treatment. Intraocular injections of steroids and so-called anti-VEGF medications are slowly becoming first-line treatment.
Overall, the potential for serious vision loss is less than 1%.
If you remember that every diabetic gets the eye disease, make sure to get examined at least once per year - perfect vision or not!
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
www.RetinaEyeDoctor.com
Fairfax, Virginia
Comment Reply
First of all, congratulations on a well written article!
As a retina specialist, an ophthalmologist who treats retinal disease, I take care of patients with diabetic retinopathy. I think your summary is terrific.
I would like to underscore two of your points;
1. The biggest risk factor leading to the development of the disease is the length of time you have been diabetic. Early examination, before any vision changes occur, is key to long term vision preservation.
2. There are emerging treatments that have started to replace the age-old laser treatment. Intraocular injections of steroids and so-called anti-VEGF medications are slowly becoming first-line treatment.
Overall, the potential for serious vision loss is less than 1%.
If you remember that every diabetic gets the eye disease, make sure to get examined at least once per year - perfect vision or not!
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
January 13, 2010 - 2:09pmwww.RetinaEyeDoctor.com
Fairfax, Virginia
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