Diabetic Retinopathy

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to various problems. The most common cause of diabetic retinopathy is damage to these blood vessels. Causes of diabetic retinopathy include:

⬩Microaneurysms

⬩Soft exudates

⬩Neovascularization

⬩Vitreous hemorrhage

⬩Macular degeneration

⬩Glaucoma

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include:

⬩The longer you have had diabetes, the higher your risk of developing retinopathy.

⬩The better your blood sugar control, the lower your risk of retinopathy.

⬩High blood pressure increases the risk of retinopathy.

⬩High cholesterol levels increase the risk of retinopathy.

⬩Smoking significantly increases the risk of retinopathy.

⬩Pregnant women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing retinopathy.

⬩Diabetic individuals with kidney disease have a higher risk of retinopathy.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is a complex disease that can affect not only your blood sugar levels but also the health of your eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye complications of diabetes and can lead to vision loss over time.

However, if diabetic retinopathy is detected and treated early, vision loss can be prevented or delayed. The most common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

⬩Blurred or fluctuating vision

⬩Sudden changes in vision clarity

⬩Dark spots or floaters in the visual field

⬩Difficulty seeing at night

⬩Faded colors

What Are the Treatment Methods for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Treatment goals include preventing or delaying vision loss, treating retinal complications such as macular edema, and preventing the formation of new blood vessels.

Treatment methods for diabetic retinopathy include:

⬩Anti-VEGF and steroid medications can be used via intraocular injections to treat complications in the retina such as macular edema. Injections are typically given every few weeks or monthly.

⬩Laser treatment is used to close or shrink abnormal blood vessels in the retina. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and is painless.

⬩Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is used to treat serious complications such as retinal bleeding.

⬩In some cases, other surgical procedures or medications may be used to treat diabetic retinopathy.

It is important for diabetic patients to have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Like?

In the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, surgical procedures such as laser treatment or vitrectomy may be necessary to preserve vision. Your doctor may recommend vitrectomy surgery in the following cases:

⬩Macular edema

⬩Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

⬩Vitreoretinal traction

There are two main types of surgery used to treat diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment uses a laser beam to close or shrink abnormal blood vessels in the retina, helping to prevent or improve vision loss caused by macular edema. It can also reduce the risk of bleeding caused by diabetic retinopathy. Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the gel-like substance called vitreous from the eye. It is used to relieve traction on the retina, clear intraocular bleeding, or remove damaged tissue from the retina.

Before the surgery, your eye doctor will explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have. During the surgery, your eyes will be numbed, and your eyelids will be kept open.

Your doctor will use a microscope and other specialized instruments to perform the surgery. Laser treatment is usually quick and painless. Vitrectomy is a more complex procedure and can take several hours.