Diabetic Retinopathy

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    What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

    Understanding About
    Diabetic Retinopathy

    Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. 

    Initially, it may cause no symptoms or only mild vision issues, but if left untreated, it can result in blindness.

    This condition can affect individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and the risk increases with the duration and poor control of blood sugar levels.

    Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

    Different Types of
    Diabetic Retinopathy

    Early Diabetic Retinopathy (Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - NPDR)

    • Characterized by weakened blood vessel walls in the retina, leading to the formation of tiny bulges and potential fluid leakage.
    • Larger retinal vessels may also become irregular in diameter.
    • Progression from mild to severe NPDR can occur as more blood vessels become blocked.
    • Macular edema, caused by retinal blood vessel damage, may result in vision loss, necessitating treatment to prevent permanent damage.

    Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

    • Occurs when damaged blood vessels close off, prompting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
    • These new vessels are fragile and prone to leaking into the vitreous, the jelly-like substance in the eye.
    • Scar tissue from abnormal vessel growth can cause retinal detachment.
    • Interference with fluid flow may lead to increased eye pressure, potentially causing glaucoma and optic nerve damage.

    Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

    Diabetic Retinopathy
    FAQS
    Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. Symptoms may appear in one eye only, but both eyes are usually affected, though not necessarily equally.
    Risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy include poorly controlled diabetes or fluctuating blood sugar levels, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, anemia, low folic acid levels, kidney disease, and being diabetic for ten years or more (long-term diabetes). Controlled diabetes can also lead to diabetic retinopathy.
    Vision problems associated with diabetic retinopathy can be prevented through the proper management of diabetes and regulating blood sugar levels. This includes taking your diabetes medications regularly on time, following the prescribed diet, daily/weekly blood sugar testing, exercising regularly and maintaining normal body weight, controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, periodic eye exams, and by avoiding alcohol and smoking.
    Mild cases of diabetic retinopathy can be treated with­ diet modifications and careful management of blood glucose levels. Advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy may require laser treatment to prevent bleeding and to improve blurred vision or a “vitrectomy”, which is a surgery to remove the jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. Medications such as “blood vessel growth inhibitor” or steroids may be needed to treat swelling of the retina or to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
    When blood sugar levels are consistently high, the chances of diabetic retinopathy developing are high. That is why it is important to control your blood sugar levels in order to slow down diabetic retinopathy’s progression to vision loss