Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Over time, however, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the greater your risk of developing this condition.
To protect your vision, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels carefully and schedule yearly eye exams.
Symptoms
It is possible to have diabetic retinopathy without knowing it, as symptoms are uncommon in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
Blurred vision
Fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your vision
Vision loss
Difficulty with color perception
Diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy may be classified as early or advanced, depending on your signs and symptoms.
Early Diabetic Retinopathy (Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)
In this stage, the walls of the blood vessels in the retina weaken. Small bulges (microaneurysms) may protrude from the vessel walls, sometimes leaking fluid and blood into the retina. Larger retinal vessels may begin to dilate and develop irregular diameters.
You may not need immediate treatment, but your eye doctor will closely monitor your condition. Good blood sugar control can slow the progression of the disease. It may also be beneficial to consult with your endocrinologist to optimize diabetes management.
Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)
In this more severe stage, damaged blood vessels close off, causing the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These new vessels are fragile and prone to leaking, which can lead to serious vision problems, including retinal detachment.
If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, prompt surgical treatment is often necessary. Surgery may also be recommended for severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Treatment
Treatment depends largely on the type and severity of diabetic retinopathy and how it has responded to previous treatments. Options may include:
Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): This is the most common treatment for diabetic retinopathy. The laser seals or shrinks leaking blood vessels to prevent further vision loss.
Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure that removes blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) and scar tissue that may be pulling on the retina.
Injectable Medications: Anti-VEGF drugs are injected directly into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
Surgery often slows or stops the progression of diabetic retinopathy but is not a cure. Since diabetes is a lifelong condition, future retinal damage and vision loss are possible. Even after treatment, regular eye exams are essential, and additional treatments may be needed over time.
Ongoing Research
Researchers are exploring new treatments for diabetic retinopathy, including medications that help prevent abnormal blood vessel growth. Some of these drugs are injected into the eye to treat existing swelling or abnormal vessels. While these treatments appear promising, they have not yet been studied in long-term clinical trials.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but manageable complication of diabetes. Early detection through regular eye exams, along with careful blood sugar management, can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Prompt treatment is essential to preserving vision and maintaining eye health.
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