Diabetes is an insidious and very serious disease that gradually leads to damage of all blood vessels , including the blood vessels of the eye fundus . These changes in the fundus, which are accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity, and in the most severe cases by permanent vision loss, are called diabetic retinopathy .
We talked about the importance of regular eye examinations for diabetics, as well as the methods of treatment, with the expert associate of the eye center of the House of Health, PhD Sandra Jovanović.
Every patient suffering from diabetes must regularly come for an examination of the fundus, so that the signs of the disease can be noticed in time and further therapy can be advised. The longer one waits, the more difficult it is to achieve a satisfactory result, and in the end, the only option to preserve minimal vision is a complex operation (vitrectomy) – pointed out Dr. Jovanović.
The doctor explained to us all the treatment methods available.
In the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, patients present due to a drop in visual acuity caused by macular swelling, and then macularlaser therapy is applied. Laser treatment can be in the form of targeted treatment of microaneurysms – the expansion of capillaries in the region of the yellow spot, caused by a long-term state of elevated blood sugar, as well as laser treatment in the form of a grid, which creates channels for draining excess fluid. In the best case, laser therapy stops further deterioration of vision. In the case of macular swelling, much greater effectiveness of tetman is achieved if the laser is combined with drugs from the group of VEGF inhibitors that are applied by injections deep into the eye, all with the aim of reducing swelling and making the laser’s effect easier and more efficient. The appearance of newly formed blood vessels is an urgent indication for laser treatment of the entire fundus (panretinal laser photocoagulation), which aims to lead to the retreat of pathological blood vessels. In this way, we prevent the appearance of visually dangerous complications (bleeding into the eye, traction detachment of the retina, neovascular glaucoma) that would otherwise lead to blindness.
A novelty in the eye center of the House of Health is the application of the most modern form of therapy in the treatment of macular swelling, making the House of Health one of only a few clinics in the country that provides this type of service.
Recently, an even more advanced form of medicine has been registered in our country, which, according to international studies, is proven to be the most effective therapy in the treatment of macular edema of various origins. It is a biodegradable dexamethasone implant that is inserted into the eye and contributes to the reduction of swelling and improvement of visual acuity within a few days. This medicine is more comfortable for patients due to the smaller number of necessary administrations (the effect of the medicine lasts in the eye for up to six months), and thus we reduce the possibility of infection. In addition to standing alone, this type of therapy can be successfully combined with anti-VEGF therapy in the aforementioned conditions. – concludes Dr. Jovanović.
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated worldwide on November 14, the expert team of Perfect Vision will contribute to the fight against this disease by holding lectures and free fundus examinations . This traditional action will be held on Thursday, November 19. at the Open University (room 213, 1st floor), starting at 5 p.m.
Find answers to the most common questions about laser vision correction, cataracts and lens implantation. Everything you need to know before deciding on a procedure.
No, the procedure is completely painless. It takes only a few minutes, and as early as the next day you can function normally without glasses or lenses.
If you notice that your vision is blurry, colors are fading and you struggle to drive at night, these are clear warning signs. Surgery restores clear vision and once cataracts are diagnosed, it should not be postponed.
The biggest advantage is that you forget about glasses – both for near and far. This means you can read a book, use your phone and drive without additional visual aids.
You absolutely do! Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism and provide clear vision.
These are artificial lenses that are placed inside the eye, while your natural lens remains untouched. They are an excellent option for younger people with high diopters who are not candidates for laser vision correction.
