Diabetic Retinopathy2020-11-30T16:50:46+01:00

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY OVERVIEW

We help to maintain vision through regular VisionSafe Eye Checks

Are you over 40 and haven’t had a comprehensive eye check done in the last year? A VisionSafe Eye Check can detect signs of diabetic retinopathy so you can get treatment

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes can affect the retina (the light-detecting layer which lines the back of the eye). Diabetes can cause changes in the tiny retinal blood vessels at the back of the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy. Severe forms of diabetic retinopathy can be dangerous as the condition can be asymptomatic before leading to vision loss or blindness. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss.

What causes diabetic retinopathy?

You are at higher risk of diabetic retinopathy if you have

  • had diabetes for a long-period of time
  • poor blood glucose control
  • diabetic kidney damage (nephropathy)
  • high blood pressure
  • raised cholesterol levels in the blood

At a Glance

YOUR SPECIALIST

Lydia Chang
Praveen Patel

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Eyesight Clinic VisionSafe Guide for Eyes over 40

Maintain vision after 40 with regular checks

Many people don’t catch vision loss until it’s too late. If
you’re over 40, avoid unnecessary vision loss by having a
VisionSafe Eye Check on a regular basis. Book one today.

How do you know you have diabetic retinopathy?

Usually, there are no symptoms.

Often, you are referred to an eye doctor from a diabetic retinopathy screening appointment or during a routine sight test during which your optometrist identifies changes in the retina which look suspicious of diabetic retinopathy.

Sometimes, you are referred to an eye doctor during a routine sight test during which your optometrist identifies changes in the retina which look suspicious of diabetic retinopathy.

Uncommonly (because symptoms only really become apparent in the advanced stages of the disease), you notice visual impairment (blurred vision) in one eye.

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“Dr Patel explained everything clearly and carefully. No feeling of rush or push to have more procedures. Very friendly & charming reception throughout the clinic.”
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“Thank you to Dr P for recommending me. I travelled from Kent and it was an extremely thorough consultation.”

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“Everything well explained – great care & understanding. Would thoroughly recommend.”

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Book your consultation for diabetic retinopathy in St Albans

If you suspect you have diabetic retinopathy, book an eye consultation with us that includes:

  • Clinical History
  • Vision measurements
  • Eye examination (sometimes dilated)
  • Retinal imaging tests (colour fundus photography and optical coherence tomography imaging)

Treatment options will depend on whether you have diabetic retinopathy and the severity of your diabetic retinopathy. Your consultant will recommend the best management plan to you depending on the findings. If treatment is recommended, the options might include:

  • Medical treatments
  • Laser treatments
  • Injection treatments

If the changes found do not require treatment, your consultant may just recommend monitoring with an emphasis on improving control of blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Contact us to book your consultation in St Albans.

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Our Consultant Ophthalmologists love to stay on top of the latest in eye treatment options for patients through regular industry meetings, journals and research.

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