Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Too much sugar in the blood over a long time can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including the retina.

Symptoms

Early stages of diabetic retinopathy might not have any symptoms. As the disease advances, individuals may experience:

  • Blurred vision
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Dark or empty areas in the vision
  • Vision loss
  • Poor night vision (night blindness)
  • Spots or dark strings floating in the vision (floaters)

Risk factors

Diabetic retinopathy can affect everyone who has diabetes. The following factors can increase the risk of retinopathy:

  • Having diabetes for a long time
  • Poor control of blood sugar level
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use

Types of diabetic retinopathy

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy

1. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)

This is the early stage and the more common form of diabetic retinopathy. In this type of diabetic retinopathy, the walls of the blood vessels in the retina weaken, and tiny bulges emerge from the walls of the smaller vessels, occasionally leaking fluid and blood into the retina. Larger retinal vessels may also dilate and become uneven in diameter. As more blood vessels get blocked, NPDR may progress from mild to severe.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

It is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when the retina begins to develop new blood vessels. This is known as neovascularization. These delicate new arteries frequently bleed into the vitreous. If the bleeding is mild, we could see a few black floaters, but if it is severe, it may cause vision loss.

These new blood vessels have the potential to create scar tissue. Scar tissue can irritate the macula or cause a detached retina.

PDR is a serious condition that can impair both central and peripheral (side) vision.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at delaying or preventing the course of diabetic retinopathy, which varies depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Treatment and management of diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are necessary for the successful treatment of diabetic retinopathy. This involves dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, exercise, and prescription drugs. Other treatment options include injections such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs or corticosteroids, laser surgery or vitrectomy