Diabetic Retinopathy
Our practice is located in Goodlettsville, TN. We are proud to serve patients in Nashville, Hendersonville, and nearby Tennessee communities.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a type of diabetic eye disease that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
High blood sugar can block the blood vessels of the retina, causing scar tissue to form. To compensate for this blockage, the eye creates new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new blood vessels do not develop properly and are prone to leaking.
During advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, these fragile blood vessels leak into the jelly-like vitreous that fills the center of the eye and more retinal scar tissue forms. This can increase your risk of macular edema (buildup of fluid in the central part of the retina), retinal detachment, and vision loss.
The Four Stages of
Diabetic Retinopathy
- Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy
- Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy
- Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Factors
While diabetic retinopathy only develops in people with diabetes, not all diabetics will experience this retinal condition. Some of the factors associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Extended length of time living with diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and use of other tobacco products
- Pregnancy
If you are a diabetic, you can speak with Dr. Choate about your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. He may recommend more frequent eye exams to catch the condition in its earliest stages. Many general practitioners in the Nashville, TN, area recommend their patients to our optometry office in Goodlettsville for their vision needs.
Our Advanced Technology Can Detect Problems Early to Help Preserve Vision
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Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatments for diabetic retinopathy target the leaking blood vessels or the vitreous. We can review these procedures in more detail during your consultation.
Medications called vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors can be injected into the eye. These drugs help prevent the development of new blood vessels and can stop the accumulation of fluid in the vitreous.
Both focal laser treatment and scatter laser treatment target leaking or abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These laser surgeries prevent fluid leakage and shrink the new unwanted blood vessels.
A vitrectomy involves the removal of the vitreous within the eye and replacing it with another substance. While healing, the eye naturally replaces the foreign solution with aqueous humor.
Managing Your Diabetes Can Help Prevent Vision Loss
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If you have mild to moderate nonproliferative retinopathy, the treatments listed above may not be necessary. You can prevent vision loss by properly managing your diabetes and monitoring your blood sugar. Be sure to discuss diabetes care with your general practitioner or endocrinologist.
An Eye Doctor You Can Trust Treating Eye Diseases in the Nashville, TN, Area
Angela Pitts
2021
The entire staff at Choate are great to work with. Very sensitive and caring. I’ve been going working with this team since 2011 and highly recommend them!
View on GoogleAmy Vantrease
2020
Dr. Choate and his staff are exceptional and really care about the health of your eyes. I HIGHLY recommend.
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