Sea Point-based Dr Zoran Aleksic treats Diabetic Retinopathy, which is also known as Diabetic Eye Disease or DED. To do this he performs advanced software assisted Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy and performs Vitreoretinal Surgery in some of the top hospitals in Cape Town, Claremont and Vredenburg.
WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?
Diabetic Retinopathy is damage to the retina which is caused by diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disorder that is characterized by continuous high blood sugar levels. Complications include damage to the eye’s retina and can lead to blindness if left unchecked. It is important to note that it affects up to half of all patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Before diagnosis occurs the patient may notice no changes in their vision. However, as the damage to the eyes retina progresses it will result in partial blindness and ultimately complete blindness. The good news however is that with an early diagnosis and timely treatment, about 90% of all patients with Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy can be saved from going blind.
A Message From Dr Aleksic: It is very important that all patients with diabetes have a regular dilated pupil eye examination at least once every 12 months.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SMART SCREENING EXPLAINED
Diabetic Retinopathy smart Screening is the detection of Diabetic Retinopathy using a software assisted Eye Screening System. During this screening, Dr Aleksic and his team are able to quickly and accurately identify Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms in patients thanks to real-time diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. This process not only helps them to identify Diabetic Retinopathy symptoms but also to ultimately help patients through the treatment of this Diabetic Eye Disease. Diabetic Retinopathy smart Screening allows for the early identification of Diabetic Retinopathy and enables us to identify and focus on those patients with the greatest need for care.
HOW TO TREAT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Vitreoretinal Surgery is the treatment of disorders related to the retina, vitreous and macula and is often the preferred treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy. During this procedure specialised techniques, instruments and solutions are used to prevent the loss of vision and even blindness. Please note that Vitreoretinal Surgery is also used to treat other serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and macular degeneration.
For more information on Vitreoretinal Surgery, please visit our Eye Surgery Wiki.
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Did You Know?
The retina found in the human eye is the light-sensitive tissue situated at the very back of the eye. It is a marvel of biological engineering and when light enters the eye, the retina changes the light into nerve signals. These signals are then sent along the optic nerve to the brain where they are interpreted as images.
It is important to remember that without the retina, the eyes cannot communicate with the brain, making vision impossible. It is therefore imperative that it is treated correctly the moment Diabetic Retinopathy is identified in a patient.