Macular edema occurs when blood vessels within the macula become damaged and leak blood or fluid, causing decreased vision. A laser, a concentrated beam of light, is used to treat both proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, laser therapy prevents the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Both laser treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, with no need to stay in a hospital overnight. In the majority of cases, no new ocular medication is needed after the treatment.
Early detection is the key.
People with diabetes must have regular eye examinations. Regular examinations allow the ophthalmologist to recognize problems early, and provide adequate treatment to preserve vision. For more information, call 464-5230. Many of the physicians at University Hospital are also professors at one of the Upstate Medical University's four colleges.