What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. High blood sugar levels can damage these vessels over time, leading to vision problems or even blindness if untreated.
Stages of DR:
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage where blood vessels weaken, leak fluid or blood, or form small bulges (microaneurysms). Vision may still be normal at this point.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels grow on the retina or optic disc, potentially leading to severe vision loss from bleeding or retinal detachment.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Often no symptoms in early stages
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your field of vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Loss of central vision
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
Risk Factors:
- Duration of diabetes (longer duration increases risk)
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
- Pregnancy (in diabetic women)
Diagnosis:
We use advanced tools to detect DR:
- Dilated Eye Exam: Allows a detailed view of the retina to spot swelling, leaks, or abnormal blood vessels.
- Fundus Photography: Captures detailed images of the retina for monitoring progression.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images to detect retinal swelling (macular edema).
- Fluorescein Angiography: Uses dye to highlight blood vessel issues in severe cases.
Treatment:
Early Stage (NPDR):
- Strict blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol management.
- Regular monitoring to prevent progression.
Advanced Stage (PDR or Macular Edema):
- Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Seals leaking blood vessels or reduces abnormal vessel growth.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Reduces swelling and stops new vessel growth (e.g., Avastin, Lucentis).
- Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye in severe cases.
Prevention and Management:
- Maintain tight control of blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication.
- Regular eye exams (at least annually for diabetics, or more often if DR is present).
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Quit smoking to improve circulation and reduce risk.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise in diabetic eye care with cutting-edge diagnostic technology.
- Collaborative approach with your diabetes care team for holistic management.
- Personalized treatment plans to preserve your vision.