Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is a retinal disorder that causes damage to the back of the eye (retina) due to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the major complications of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The longer someone lives with uncontrolled diabetes, the more risk you are of developing Diabetic Retinopathy.
Once the blood vessels behind the retina begin leaking fluid behind the nerve tissue, it can lead to blurred vision, severe vision loss, or even blindness. The severity is dependent on whether the patient’s blood sugar levels are controlled and treated.
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Diabetic Retinopathy is the #1 leading cause of blindness in the United States, with roughly 3 million Americans about to go blind today.
Over 30 million Americans are living with diabetes in the United States, and 15 million of them have some form of retinal disorder. Symptoms may include blurred vision, floaters, spotty vision, and an inability to differentiate colors. With early detection and treatment, Aylo Health can help slow down the progression of the disease or prevent further vision loss.
Managing your diabetes through medication, diet, and physical activity is key in treating Diabetic Retinopathy. When in a mild stage, regulated blood sugar levels can typically slow the progression of the disease. It’s important to work with your Endocrinologist to monitor your condition and take any additional steps necessary to help improve your diabetes. Anyone with a long history of diabetes, especially with poor or uncontrolled blood sugar, should have regular eye exams.
About Diabetic Retinopathy
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Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
In Early Diabetic Retinopathy, damaged blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the retina and begin to weaken. The leakage can cause swelling of the nerve fibers in the retina, and if left untreated, can lead to loss of vision. This is known as Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR).
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
In Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy, new or abnormal blood vessels start to grow within the retina. These new blood vessels may bleed or leak into the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of your eye (vitreous). Over time, scar tissue may begin to form due to the growth of the new blood vessels, which can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. This can produce flashes of light, spots floating in your vision, or severe vision loss. This is known as Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
Why choose Aylo for your Diabetic Retinopathy Screening?
Quick & Easy
A Diabetic Retinopathy Screening is one of the most trusted imaging processes that is non-invasive. We have skilled and trained technicians and physicians that will assist you.
State-of-the-art Imaging
We provide detailed images of the various structures of the retina and can show abnormalities that may threaten normal vision.
My stay was short, the problem was diagnosed, and I have no complaints. All personnel was friendly and cordial. Everyone acted very professionally, in the performance of their duty.
- Eurskine L. | Aylo Patient
What to expect at your Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
At your screening, our technicians will place you in a dark room to help naturally dilate your eyes. If they do not dilate on their own, drops will be placed in your eyes to open your pupils, allowing them to get a better look inside of your eye.
Once your eyes have dilated, we will look for new or abnormal blood vessels, swelling, blood, or fat leaking into the retina, growth of new blood vessels or scar tissue, bleeding in the vitreous, retinal detachment, and deformities in the optic nerve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should have Diabetic Retinopathy Screening?
- Diabetic patients – for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic retinopathy which can lead to loss of vision
- Glaucoma patients – for early detection of even the slightest changes to the optic never that could lead to the gradual loss of peripheral vision.
- Patients with Macular Degeneration – for diagnosing and monitoring age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for prevention in severe vision loss.
- Patients with other Retinal Diseases and Disorders – for aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment
What is Digital Retinal Screening?
A Digital Retinal Screening is the process where high-resolution, digital photographs are taken of the retina, or the interior portion of your eye. The color photograph, taken with a specialized retinal camera, provides detailed images of the various structures of the retina and can show abnormalities that may threaten normal vision. Not only will this screening help your doctor accurately diagnose and document any diseases or conditions you may have, but it will also provide a baseline for comparison with previous and future visits. Subsequently, it will help monitor disease progression.
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