Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition that can occur in people with diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar can damage these vessels, leading to vision problems or even blindness if not treated.
Causes
- High blood sugar levels from uncontrolled diabetes damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina
- High blood sugar levels from uncontrolled diabetes damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina
- New, abnormal blood vessels may grow, which can cause further damage
Advanced Therapies
1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
- Early stage
- Blood vessels leak or swell, leading to retinal swelling (macular edema)
- Often no symptoms at this stage
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
- Advanced stage
- New abnormal blood vessels form, which can bleed into the eye or cause scar tissue
- Can lead to retinal detachment or vision loss
Symptoms
Often no symptoms in early stages
As the disease progresses, you may notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Impaired color vision
- Vision loss in severe cases
Diagnosis
- Dilated eye exam by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist)
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Scans the retina for swelling or damage
- Fluorescein Angiography: Highlights blood vessels to check for leaks or abnormal growth
Management & Treatment
Blood Sugar Control
- The most important step!
- Maintain good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Regular diabetes check-ups with your doctor
Eye Monitoring
- Annual dilated eye exams for all people with diabetes
- More frequent exams if changes are found
Medical Treatments (for advanced stages):
- Anti-VEGF Injections (e.g., Avastin, Eylea, Accentrix): Reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth
- Steroid Injections: For swelling in the retina (macular edema)
- Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Seals leaking blood vessels or shrinks abnormal ones
- Vitrectomy Surgery: Removes blood and scar tissue if there's significant bleeding or retinal detachment
Prevention Tips
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control
- Get regular eye exams, even if vision seems normal
- Don’t ignore changes in vision—seek prompt medical attention
- Stop smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle
When to See an Eye Doctor
- As soon as you're diagnosed with diabetes
- Immediately if you notice blurry vision, floaters, or sudden vision loss
Remember
Early detection and treatment can prevent or slow down vision loss. Protecting your eyes starts with managing your diabetes every day.