Ophthalmologists at the Ichilov Clinic provide treatment for a wide range of eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. The ophthalmology department of the clinic employs vitreoretinal surgeons. These are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the macula, retina, and vitreous body. With specialized skills and extensive clinical experience, they ensure quality diagnosis and effective treatment of eye diseases.
A whole team of highly qualified specialists works with the patient, having access to advanced technologies. They use modern diagnostic tools such as fluorescein angiography, digital fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography to obtain a clear picture of the patient's condition and prescribe the most relevant treatment. Using the most effective conservative and surgical methods, Ichilov doctors manage the progression of the disease, controlling the growth of new blood vessels and much more. Reviews of treatment at the clinic can be read in the relevant section of the website.
About the disease
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when diabetes affects the blood vessels and nerve tissue of the retina.
There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative retinopathy – this is an early stage of the disease, during which blood vessels swell and malfunction. In some cases, this can cause macular edema (swelling of the retina), which can lead to mild vision loss but is treatable. There may also be early changes in retinal nerve cells that can affect vision, partly due to inadequate blood supply.
- Proliferative retinopathy – this is a late stage, during which abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These vessels can rupture and bleed into the vitreous body, the clear gel that fills the eye, causing severe vision loss. This stage of diabetic retinopathy usually requires urgent treatment.
Although diabetic retinopathy is often not completely preventable, it is possible to reduce the risk of its development or progression. Controlling blood sugar levels slows the onset of retinopathy and prevents its worsening. It also reduces the need for laser surgery or other procedures to treat severe retinopathy.
Treatment methods for diabetic retinopathy
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy will depend on the symptoms, age, and overall health of the patient, as well as the severity of the disease's progression.
People with advanced retinopathy have a good chance of preserving their vision if treated before serious damage to the retina occurs. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy may include one or a combination of the following actions:
Laser surgery
This is often used to treat proliferative retinopathy and sometimes macular edema. The method involves narrowing abnormal blood vessels or sealing leaking ones.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a procedure in which the gel-like substance (vitreous body) filling the center of the eye is removed. The vitreous body is replaced with a balanced saline solution.
Injections
In some cases of diabetic maculopathy, injections of a medication called anti-VEGF may be made directly into the eye to prevent the formation of new blood vessels in the back of the eye.
Eye surgery
Surgery may be performed to remove part of the vitreous body from the eye. This transparent gel-like substance fills the space behind the lens of the eye. A procedure known as vitreoretinal surgery may be required if a large amount of blood has accumulated in the eye or if there is extensive scar tissue that may cause or has already caused retinal detachment. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the eye and then remove part of the vitreous body, remove all scar tissue, and use a laser to prevent further deterioration of your vision. Vitreoretinal surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. This means that the patient will not feel pain.
Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented
While it may be difficult to prevent diabetic retinopathy, there are steps that patients can take to reduce the risk of its development or progression.
- Annual examination by a local doctor.
- Strict adherence to an approved diabetes treatment plan.
To maximize the effectiveness of treatment, the following steps should be taken:
- Taking medications as prescribed.
- Taking insulin as prescribed.
- Healthy and balanced diet to control blood sugar levels.
- Exercise to help the body use blood sugar.
- Regular checks of blood sugar levels.
- Regular checks of hemoglobin A1c levels.
- Regular urine tests for ketone levels.
- Regular medical examinations to manage diabetes, exclude or treat other risk factors such as blood pressure.
Improved control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and reduces the need for laser surgery or other procedures to treat severe retinopathy.
- Israeli medicine. Microsurgery of the eye
- Laser surgery
Diagnostic methods for the disease
Diagnosis at the Ichilov Clinic is conducted in a timely manner and usually takes three days.
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the attending physician. The doctor conducts an examination, clarifies symptoms, studies the medical history, compiles an anamnesis, and prescribes certain types of diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
The following types of tests may be needed to diagnose diabetic retinopathy:
- Visual acuity test. A standard vision chart test that measures the ability of central vision at various distances.
- Tonometry. A standard test that checks the pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP) inside the eye.
- Pupil dilation. An examination in which the pupil is dilated using eye drops for a close-up view of the lens and retina of the eye.
- Ophthalmoscopy. An examination in which the doctor carefully examines the retina using a special magnifying glass.
- Fluorescein angiography. A test in which an organic dye is injected into the bloodstream to show the blood vessels in the eye. This is done when images are taken with a special camera and shows the doctor if blood vessels are leaking or no longer supplying areas of the retina.
- Optical coherence tomography. A test in which light waves are used to obtain detailed images of the retina.
Once the examination results are ready, an expert group is assembled, which includes endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, eye surgeons, and other specialized specialists. A collegial approach helps avoid medical errors and improve the overall prognosis.
- Vision diagnosis at the Top Ichilov Clinic (Israel)
How much does treatment cost in Israel
The cost of treatment depends on its complexity and may vary from case to case. The final price is announced after the examination is completed and the therapeutic plan is approved. The preliminary cost can be obtained in advance. For this, please contact our call center at the phone number listed on the website.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- High professionalism of doctors.
- Availability of advanced technologies.
- Modern types of diagnostics.
- Affordable treatment costs.
- First-class care and support services.
If you or your loved ones have signs of the disease and you want to be treated at the Ichilov Clinic in Israel, please contact us in any way convenient for you, and we will help you choose the right doctor and organize direct communication with them.