Overview
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR):
- NPDR is characterized by weakened retinal blood vessels.
- Microvascular lesions may remain clinically silent.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):
- PDR involves abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Fragile new vessels form, which can leak and cause complications.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Several factors contribute to diabetic retinopathy:
- Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels.
- Duration of Diabetes: Longer diabetes duration increases the risk.
- Nephropathy, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia also play a role.
Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Chronic Hyperglycemia: Poor blood sugar control.
- Nephropathy: Kidney disease.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure.
- Dyslipidemia: Abnormal lipid levels.
- Duration of Diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
As diabetic retinopathy progresses, you may experience:1. Floaters: Spots or dark strings in your vision.
2. Blurred Vision
3. Dark or Empty Areas in Vision
4. Fluctuating Vision
5. Vision Loss
Preventions of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Optimize Blood Sugar Control: Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment.
- Annual Eye Exams: Even if your vision seems fine.
- Blood Pressure Management: Lowering blood pressure helps prevent progression.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures vision at different distances.
- Pupil Dilation: Allows clear retina examination.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the retina.
- Optical Coherence Tomography: Provides cross-sectional images of the retina.
- Fluorescein Angiogram: Identifies areas of damage.
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
- edical Treatment:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Glucocorticoids: Reduce macular edema.
- Laser Treatment: Shrinks abnormal blood vessels.
- Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of vitreous gel.
- Self-Care: Diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Regular Eye Exams: Especially if you have diabetes.
- Sudden Vision Changes: Blurriness, spots, or hazy vision.