The eye disease diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it may lead to blindness and vision loss.
The tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the retina can become weak and damaged as a result of prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels. As a consequence, the retina may swell, leak fluid, bleed, or grow abnormal new blood vessels. These changes can interfere with the normal function of the retina and affect the quality of vision.
Diabetes and other factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and pregnancy increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye exams are important for people with diabetes. As the disease progresses, some of the possible symptoms include:
Blurred or distorted vision
Floaters or dark spots in the vision
Difficulty seeing colors or contrast
Vision loss or blindness
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes, but the severity and progression may vary between them.
The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy can be made by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist), who examines the retina using a special device called an ophthalmoscope.
Dilated eye exam: This involves dilating the pupils with eye drops and using a magnifying lens to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
The fluorescein angiography involves injecting dye into a vein and taking pictures of the retina as the dye flows through the blood vessels. This can reveal leaks, blockages, or abnormal growths of blood vessels.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This involves scanning the retina with a laser to create a detailed image of its cross-section, which can measure its thickness and detect swelling or fluid accumulation in the eye.
The treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health and vision. Treatment aims to slow or stop the disease's progression, prevent or reduce vision loss, and preserve quality of life.
Some of the possible treatment options include:
It involves using a laser to seal or shrink the abnormal or leaking blood vessels in the retina. This can reduce swelling, bleeding, and new blood vessel growth, and prevent further retinal damage.
A vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the eye, and replacing it with saline. By doing so, the eye doctor will be able to access and treat the retina more easily, removing blood or fluid that has leaked into the vitreous.
Injections of anti-VEGF medication: This involves injecting a medication into the eye that blocks a protein known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the development of new blood vessels in the retina. As a result, the vision can be improved and leakage, swelling, and bleeding of the retina can be reduced.
Steroid injections or implants: This involves injecting or implanting a medication into the eye that reduces inflammation and swelling of the retina. This can improve vision and slow down the disease's progression.
The best way to prevent or delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy is to keep the blood sugar levels under control and follow a healthy lifestyle. Some of the preventive measures include:
Monitoring and managing the blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
Taking the prescribed medications for diabetes and other conditions as directed
Having regular eye exams at least once a year or more often as recommended by the eye doctor
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
Protecting the eyes from sun exposure and injury
The condition of diabetic retinopathy is a serious and potentially sight-threatening complication of diabetes. However, with early detection, timely treatment, and proper care, vision loss can be prevented or reduced.
