Diabetic Retinopathy

At Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery, we provide expert medical and surgical care for diabetic retinopathy. Our goal is to help reduce vision loss from diabetic eye disease and support you in maintaining clear, crisp vision through personalized, physician-led care.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred vision, floaters, and in some cases, permanent vision loss.

At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, we specialize in diagnosing and managing all stages of diabetic eye disease, from early signs to advanced diabetic retinopathy. Whether you’re noticing subtle vision changes or facing complications like diabetic macular edema, our team is here to help protect your eyes with compassionate, personalized care. Through regular monitoring and evidence-based treatment plans, we help people with diabetes preserve their vision and quality of life.

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy is designed to stop or slow the progression of damage to the retina. In early stages, careful blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and regular eye exams may be enough to stabilize the condition. When more aggressive medical intervention is needed, we offer several advanced options.

Laser surgery, such as laser photocoagulation, can seal off leaking blood vessels and shrink abnormal vessels before they lead to more serious complications. In cases of diabetic macular edema or proliferative retinopathy, anti-VEGF eye injections are often used to block vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that stimulates the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. Our clinical focus is on utilizing these advanced therapies to stabilize the eye and prevent the need for more invasive posterior surgeries.

Why Timely Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Matters

Diabetic retinopathy often progresses without symptoms in the early stages, making it difficult to detect without a comprehensive dilated eye exam. By the time vision changes become noticeable, significant damage may already be present. Proactive care is essential to stabilize your vision and prevent long-term complications.

Key Benefits of Early Intervention:

• Support Clearer Vision: Reduce swelling from macular edema to maintain sharp, central focus.
• Slow Disease Progression: Shrink abnormal blood vessels before they lead to severe vision loss or vitreous hemorrhage.
• Avoid Complex Surgery: Early use of laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections can often prevent the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
• Long-Term Preservation: Personalized care plans focused on maintaining your retinal health for a lifetime.