Diabetic retinopathy is a disease characterized by changes to the retina, due to the complications of diabetes. This type of retinopathy can eventually lead to blindness if not properly monitored. Unfortunately almost 80 percent of all patients who have diabetes, for more than 10 years, will be affected by this systemic disease. The chance of developing diabetic retinopathy will also increase the longer a patient has diabetes.
The cause of the disease is most noticeable in the microvascular changes to the retina. The small blood vessels found in the retina are especially vulnerable to poor blood glucose control. An overaccumulation of blood sugar can damage these tiny blood vessels, making them more permeable. As these damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, the central vision becomes blurred and darkened. As the disease progresses the body produces more blood vessels to account for the damage and lack of retinal oxygen. Without vigilant treatment this vascularization can lead to retinal detachment, glaucoma, and possible blindness.
If you, or someone you know, has a discolored or disfigured blind eye due to complications of diabetic retinopathy there is a cosmetic solution. At Ocular Prosthetics, Inc. our team of scleral cover shell specialists will fabricate and fit a custom prosthetic eye to your individual needs. A scleral cover shell is a thin prosthetic eye that fits comfortably over the blind eye; restoring lost eye socket volume and enhancing cosmesis. Your scleral shell will be carefully matched to your natural eye in both size and color. Careful considerations will also be made to maximize your comfort and prosthetic eye movement.
We understand that even with the most vigilant treatment and best ophthalmological care, vision loss can occur. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your options for a scleral cover shell, please contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions and or concerns you may have.
We have five offices in the Southern California area to serve you: Los Angeles, Orange, Encino, Torrance, and Santa Barbara.