We diagnose and treat
conditions that can threaten vision
Because retinal care is complex and critical,
it requires specialized clinicians and advanced equipment.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Diabetic Retinopathy
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
There are many very small blood vessels running through the human eye. When diabetes persists for a long time, the blood vessels are affected,
and the retina, which plays a major role in distinguishing colors and objects, is also damaged. This is called diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease in which the tiny blood vessels of the retina are damaged and it can lead to blindness.
Share of diabetic patients treated for eye complications
Diabetic retinopathy develops in most patients diagnosed with diabetes.
Despite being a serious condition that can lead to decreased vision and, in severe cases, blindness due to retinal hemorrhage and macular edema
, it often has no early symptoms, so without regular screening many people miss the optimal time for treatment.
Normal visual field
Visual field with diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy (floaters)
Early treatment for diabetic retinopathy is straightforward, but if treatment is delayed, there is a risk of blindness even with surgery.
In people with diabetes, this condition can resemble presbyopia, making it easy to ignore.
All patients with diabetes should have a retinal examination once a year even if they have no symptoms.
Even with good blood sugar control, established diabetic retinopathy does not completely stop progressing; in the early phase it is usually non-proliferative, with gradual symptoms such as declining vision
, but if glycemic control is inadequate it may progress within a few years to the proliferative stage that can rapidly cause blindness.
Even when diabetic retinopathy has advanced considerably inside the eye, normal visual acuity can be maintained if the macular center is unaffected.
However, the progression does not stop, so if it is not detected and left untreated, vision can ultimately be lost.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
This refers to a state in which the small vessels of the retina become weakened and leak plasma
, or the vessels become blocked and the nutrient supply is cut off.
Retinal capillaries balloon outward into tiny sacs (microaneurysms).
In general, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy does not cause blindness
, but if macular edema develops, it must be treated.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
New blood vessels grow in areas with poor circulation
, and without appropriate treatment, bleeding from these new blood vessels
can cause blindness.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Diabetic Retinopathy Self-Check
If symptoms like the following recur, a detailed examination is needed.
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01. My vision is gradually getting worse.
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02. My field of vision looks blurry.
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03. I cannot distinguish colors accurately, or they look faded.
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04. I see black specks that move with my eyes.
