Diagnosis of Diabetic eye

Detection and Diagnosis of Diabetic eye

A comprehensive medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist is the best protection against the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic patients should be aware of the risks of developing sight disturbances and should have their eyes examined regularly. (Non-diabetic patients should also have their eyes examined periodically because these examinations help to detect the presence of diabetes and other diseases.) It is a preventable disease if detected early.

To detect diabetic retinopathy, the ophthalmologist painlessly examines the interior of the eye using an instrument called ophthalmoscope. The interior of the eye may also be photographed to provide further information.

If diabetic retinopathy is noted, a second method of examination may be used by the ophthalmologist to see which blood vessels are bleeding or leaking fluid. First, a fluorescent dye is injected into the patient’s arm. The dye travels through the bloodstream and passes into the blood vessels of the retina. Photographs are taken rapidly of the dye as it leaks through the retina’s blood vessels. This technique, called fluoresce in angiography, is sometimes used by the ophthalmologist to determine if further treatment is necessary.