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         Walman Eye Center                                602 222 2020

The Eye in Diabetes

Treatment of Diabetic Retinal Problems

It is an accepted fact that the vision of diabetics has been prolonged primarily because of treatments with the laser. The key to preservation of vision lies with early detection of abnormalities. Individuals with diabetes, whether on Insulin or on oral medications only, are advised to have a thorough eye examination on an annual basis. Dr. Walman is accustomed to working closely with primary care physicians in handling these eye evaluations so that if any early diabetic retinal changes are detected before even symptoms are noted by the patient, the prognosis of prevention of visual loss by sealing early abnormal retinal vessels is optimized. We participate in a multitude of medical insurance plans; ask your primary care physician to refer you to us for your annual diabetic eye examination.

Far Left: Normal view

of the retina showing normal blood vessels

Close Left: In an eye affected by diabetes, the blood vessels become dilated and balloon out - and have a tendency to break. This scenario can often

be prevented if the abnormal blood vessels are sealed up with laser treatments if caught at an early stage. Yearly eye exams of all diabetics is therefore extremely critical.

Management of Diabetic Retinal Problems

The first medical use of laser technology was in the treatment of abnormal blood vessels in the retina as a result of diabetes. The green light is selectively absorbed by the blood vessels in the retinal. The Argon Laser is now a mainstay of treatment of diabetics. When abnormal blood vessels develop, most commonly related to diabetes, the Argon Laser is used as a type of microscopic welder and seals abnormal leaking blood vessels.

It is an accepted fact that the vision of diabetics has been prolonged primarily because of treatments with the laser. The key to preservation of vision lies with early detection of abnormalities. It is because of this importance of early detection that the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises in their "Diabetes 2000" project, that diabetics have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist at least yearly in order to catch in early problems that can be treated early before leading to significant visual loss.