Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Initially, Diabetic Retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. However, it can eventually lead to blindness.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy can range from none to significant vision changes, such as:

• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Impaired color vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Significant vision loss

Am I at Risk?

Anyone with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) is at risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy. The risk increases the longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Over time, too much sugar in your blood can lead to the blockage of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina, cutting off its blood supply. As a result, the eye attempts to grow new blood vessels. However, these new vessels do not develop properly and can leak easily, leading to swelling and damage to the retina.

Prevention Strategies

Early detection and management are key. To help prevent Diabetic Retinopathy:

• Manage your diabetes through diet and medication
• Monitor your blood sugar level regularly
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
• Quit smoking or do not start
• Pay close attention to any sudden vision changes

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Options include:

• Diabetes Management: Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure can slow progression.
• Laser Treatment: Used to shrink abnormal blood vessels or stop leakage.
• Injections: Medicines injected into the eye to reduce swelling and improve vision.
• Surgery: In advanced cases, a vitrectomy may be needed to remove blood from the eye.

Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent.