Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
People with diabetes can have an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. This is when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak. Or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes can steal your vision.
Certain studies have shown that the development of Diabetic Retinopathy depends greatly on the duration of Diabetes Mellitus. Other associated factors that increased the chances of this disease were hypertension, smoking & presence of renal diseases. Diabetes Mellitus does not just affect the retina. It has been found to promote cataract formation, an increased incidence of open angle Glaucoma, etc. Unfortunately, it is mainly the effect of Diabetes Mellitus on the retina that causes blindness.
What are the Symptoms ?
Please note that every person with diabetes need not have Diabetic Retinopathy. Conversely, an eye with marked changes of Diabetic Retinopathy can have good vision and be totally free of symptoms. Hence it is important for all diabetics to undergo REGULAR EYE CHECK-UP INCLUDING RETINAL EXAMINATION THROUGH DILATED PUPILS especially for people who have been diabetic for a number of years.
Reduced central vision can occur if the macula gets edematous (swollen). Black spots (floaters) and cobwebs of sudden onset often point to a minor bleed inside the eye. Sudden total loss of vision may occur due to a large bleed into the vitreous.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
Complete eye examination is required for the detection of diabetic retinopathy. The retina of the eye is examined using an instrument called the indirect ophthalmoscope after dilating the pupils. If diabetic retinopathy is detected, a special test called Fluorescein Angiography may be performed where a dye is injected in the vein of the arm and serial photographs of the retina aretaken. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is another test used for detection and evaluation of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
The first step is that all diabetics must maintain strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure and follow a regular exercise regime and healthy diet. In early cases only regular follow-up may be necessary. More advanced cases require treatment to control the damage of Diabetic Retinopathy and improve sight in the form of lasers, injections or surgery.
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