Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent long-term vision loss.

Definition

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It develops when high blood sugar harms the tiny blood vessels in this area, potentially impairing vision.

Causes

• Prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetes.
• Damage to retinal blood vessels causing them to leak, swell, or close off.
• Growth of abnormal blood vessels on the retina in more advanced stages.

Risk Factors

• Poor blood sugar control.
• Long duration of diabetes.
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy in women with diabetes.

Symptoms

• Blurred or fluctuating vision.
• Dark spots or floaters in your vision.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Vision loss in advanced stages.
• Sometimes, there may be no symptoms in early stages.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive dilated eye exam to check for retinal damage.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to view detailed retina layers.
• Fluorescein angiography to assess blood vessel damage.

Management

• Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol well-controlled.
• Regular eye exams to monitor for early changes.
• Treatments like laser therapy, injections, or surgery in advanced stages.
• Early detection is essential to help prevent severe vision loss.