Diabetic retinopathy treatment in Türkiye
Diabetic retinopathy treatment where both a diabetic doctor and an ophthalmologist should be involved. Where a diabetologist can help better control your blood sugar. It can treat other complications of diabetes that may worsen diabetic retinopathy
Causes of diabetic retinopathy
High blood sugar in diabetics damages the walls of the small blood vessels in the eye. Which leads to a change in its structure and function. These vessels may thicken, form clots, close off, or form balloon-like defects called microaneurysms.
Often fluid builds up in the part of the retina that is used for tasks such as reading; This condition is called “ macular edema” . In advanced cases, the retina is deprived of its blood supply and new vessels grow. But it’s defective – what’s called vasodilatation or ‘neovascularization’. These fragile vessels can bleed, resulting in impaired vision, scar tissue, and separation of the retina from the back of the eye ( retinal detachment ). The new vessels can also block the flow of fluid within the eye, leading to glaucoma.
Examination and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
It is important for anyone with diabetes to have annual eye exams from an ophthalmologist so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected early. When you visit an ophthalmologist, he or she will ask about your medical history and vision and ask you to read an eye chart. The doctor then examines the retina directly using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
Some features of diabetic retinopathy cannot be seen during a basic eye exam and therefore require special examinations. The doctor may administer drops to dilate the pupil to get a better look at the inside of the eye. Then, he watches the retina with lenses and a special light called a “slit lamp.”
A fluorescein angiography test can detect changes in the structure and function of blood vessels in the retina. For this test, a doctor injects a yellow, fluorescent dye into a vein. Then it photographs the retina while the dye determines the position of the blood vessels.
The eye exam will likely also include screening for glaucoma and cataracts . Both occur frequently in people with diabetes and can cause vision problems.
Diabetic retinopathy treatment
Both a diabetologist and an ophthalmologist should be involved in the treatment. Where a diabetologist can help better control your blood sugar. It can treat other complications of diabetes that may worsen diabetic retinopathy.
Such as poor kidney or heart function . An ophthalmologist can also treat diabetic retinopathy with a laser or with a surgical procedure called vitrectomy. This is to prevent further vascular changes and to preserve vision.
Don’t be surprised if your doctor recommends one of these treatments before you notice any vision problems. Usually the best time for treatment is before problems start.
How does the treatment work?
Laser “diabetic retinopathy treatment” or what is called “laser photocoagulation” works by causing small, painless retinal burns that block the branching blood vessels and reduce swelling.
The number of burns your doctor will perform and the number of treatments you need will depend on the type and extent of retinopathy and how well it responds to treatment. You may have to wait several months to see if this treatment works for you.
Your doctor may recommend vitrectomy if you have unexplained bleeding, if you have a retinal detachment, or if laser treatment doesn’t stop new vessel growth enough. During a vitrectomy, your doctor pulls the jelly-like substance inside the eye, allowing any trapped blood to be flushed out and scar tissue to be removed. The vitreous is then replaced with a replacement fluid.
Rare complications of treatment may include blurred vision , headache, glaucoma, difficulty seeing in the dark, decreased peripheral and color vision, and bleeding. In most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks when treatment is recommended.
Although both treatments can be very effective, your expectations for either treatment should be realistic. Treatment of diabetic retinopathy with laser or surgery usually does not restore lost vision. However, treatment can prevent any further vision loss. If you’re already experiencing vision loss, your doctor can advise you about options for visual rehabilitation .
protection
Diabetic retinopathy can be minimized by combining strict blood sugar control and routine screening with eye exams — although even with optimal medical care, it’s not always possible to prevent or slow damage to the retina.
Studies have shown that maintaining a near-normal blood sugar level can reduce the chance of developing retinopathy and can help prevent existing retinopathy from worsening.
Your doctor can provide you with guidance, which may include insulin, other medications, dietary modifications, and exercise. Intensive insulin therapy may be an option, which may include frequent blood sugar tests and the use of an insulin pump.
It is not always easy to stick to a disciplined lifestyle and it is essential to control your blood sugar. Don’t hesitate to tell your doctor if you need additional support or guidance.
How can I book for diabetic retinopathy treatment in Türkiye?
- Free medical support on the phone: You will have a dedicated representative for your health condition who is always ready to answer your questions.
- Free consultation with a specialist doctor: Your medical representative will consult with a number of doctors and hospitals to find the best possible treatments.
- Free travel visa arrangement: We will contact the embassy in your country to assist you in obtaining a visa to visit Türkiye.
- Free itinerary planning: We will create a schedule for your medical trip to Türkiye.
- Free translation of documents and reports: We will translate medical documents and reports into Turkish on your behalf.
- Free support and monitoring: We will monitor the stages of treatment and be by your side every step of the way.
- Free instant translation: We will be with you during the treatment stages to provide translation between you and the medical team.
- Free accommodation and transportation coordination: We will book accommodation for you and your companions in Türkiye, along with transportation services.
Contact REHABTÜRK doctors for more information about the procedure and to evaluate your medical condition.
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