RETINA CARE CONSULTANTS. P.A. Meeting Your Retinal Care Needs | Page 6

• There is a region of the retina called the macula and a build up of fluid will sometimes occur and which can be clearly seen by this test ( photo ). Today , a normal optometrist will insert drops into the eye which dilate the pupil in order for them to see the retina and optic nerve and examine them for any problems . They also measure the pressure in the eye ( Tonometry ) even for a simple spectacle eye test . Any change in the blood vessels or leaking fluid can be clearly seen . The macula might be swollen and any changes to the retina can be observed .

• How can we prevent this occurrence ? Simply by having our eyes tested at least once a year . If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed in time about 95 % of treatments are successful . Anybody with diabetes should really have a dilated eye examination at least once a year if not more frequently , depending on the severity of the diabetes . There are some early treatments such as a course of Anti-VEGF Injections . These injections block a protein called endothelial growth factor . These injections block the growth of the blood vessels which grow as explained and reverse their growth thus blocking their ability to grow inside the retina . Focal Grid laser surgery is also available in which the eye is subjected to tiny bursts of laser therapy destroying these additional blood vessels .