Treatment for Diabetes-related Eye Conditions

Diabetic eye disease is caused by damage to the small retinal blood vessels from elevated sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream. The retinal blood vessels damaged by chronic high blood sugar levels may begin to leak fluid (diabetic macula edema) or cause small hemorrhages in the early stages. In more advanced stages, the retinal blood vessels become clogged leading to inadequate oxygen levels in the retina known as ischemia.

The retina then sends out signals to grow new abnormal blood vessels called neovascularization. These new abnormal blood vessels have a tendency to bleed (vitreous hemorrhage), which may lead to a sudden onset of floaters. The new, abnormal blood vessels can also cause scar tissue which can pull on the retina leading to a retinal detachment in severe cases. Sometimes, neovascularization also grows in the front of the eye on the iris which can lead to a very severe form of glaucoma.