Considering modern human health, diabetes has become a common health condition and it is astoundingly increasing day by day. Among the various consequences of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the one that will affect your retina. There are few types of diabetes that people usually suffer from and all such individuals with any of its types can be sufferers of diabetic retinopathy.
As renowned as one of the best ophthalmologists in Delhi, AK Institute of Ophthalmology, we are committed to our patients’ optimum health. We believe that early medical intervention is highly crucial to finding a cure without many consequences. In this article, we explore and create awareness about diabetic retinopathy, its intricacies, early signs, latest treatment advancements, and how to prevent it.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
High blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to swell, leak, or become blocked, leading to vision problems.
There are two main stages: non-proliferative, where early changes occur, and proliferative, which involves new blood vessel growth that can cause severe vision loss.
Causes
Diabetic retinopathy primarily results from prolonged high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. The key causes include:
- Chronic Hyperglycemia:
Elevated blood glucose damages blood vessels in the retina over time, leading to leakage and abnormal growth. - Poor Diabetes Management: Inconsistent and uncontrolled blood sugar control and neglecting regular eye check-ups increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can worsen blood vessel damage and increase the risk of retinopathy.
- High Cholesterol Levels: Elevated cholesterol can contribute to the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, exacerbating retinopathy.
- Duration of Diabetes: The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing retinopathy.
- Other Factors: Genetics, smoking, and pregnancy can also influence the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can vary depending on the stage of the disease but often include:
- Blurred Vision:
This may come and go, affecting one or both eyes. - Dark or Empty Areas in Vision: You may notice spots or gaps in your visual field.
- Difficulty Seeing at Night: Low light conditions can become particularly challenging.
- Fluctuating Vision: Sudden changes in vision clarity may occur.
- Color Distortion: Colors may appear faded or altered.
- Floaters: Small spots or lines that drift across your field of vision.
Prevention
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once in 6 months to detect any changes early.
- Blood Sugar Control: Maintain optimal blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medication adherence. Get regular sugar check up with your doctors along with every 3 monthly HbA1C to be measured and monitored.
- Blood Pressure Management: Keep blood pressure within recommended limits to reduce strain on blood vessels.
- Cholesterol Management: Monitor and manage cholesterol levels to lower the risk of cardiovascular issues that can affect eye health.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoid smoking, eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and engage in regular exercise to improve overall health.
- Education: Stay informed about diabetes and its complications to make informed health decisions.
Diagnosis and treatment:
AK Institute of Ophthalmology provides the latest, most precise and state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and testing of our retina, cataract and glaucoma, inorder to check the impact of diabetes on your eye.
- Eye Dilation exam: Diabetic Macular Edema is diagnosed through an eye dilation exam in which eye drops are inserted to expand your pupils to allow a better look within.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Then, a dye is injected through your arm, which travels through your eye’s blood vessels and produces images.
- Optical Coherence Tomography: Finally, the OCT test is taken to monitor the thickness of your retina and any fluid leakage.
Complications
Complications of diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious vision problems and include:
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Vision Loss: As the condition progresses, patients may experience blurred vision, dark spots, or complete vision loss.
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Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina can occur due to leaking blood vessels, leading to distorted or blurred central vision. Such a condition usually requires some intervention.
- Bleeding in retina: Uncontrolled diabetes leads to the blood vessels leaking and causing bleeding in the retina. This leads to blurred vision and requires intervention.
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Retinal Detachment: The growth of abnormal blood vessels can pull the retina away from its supporting tissue, resulting in a detached retina, which may require immediate surgical intervention.
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Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye may occur due to new blood vessel formation, increasing the risk of glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss.
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Cataracts: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, which can lead to cloudy vision and may require surgical removal.
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Blindness: In severe cases, untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to irreversible blindness.
Why AKIO for Retina damage due to Diabetes:
AK Institute of Ophthalmology offers treatments like:
1. Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)
- This laser treatment is used to seal or destroy leaking blood vessels in the retina, reducing swelling in the macula.
- Laser treatment that targets areas of the retina away from the macula to shrink abnormal blood vessels and prevent further bleeding.
2. Anti-VEGF Injections
Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are used to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These injections can reduce swelling, prevent blood vessel leakage, and help restore vision.
These injections are administered into the eye and may require multiple treatments over time.
3. Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections or implants can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina. These implants release medication slowly over several months to help manage retinal swelling.
4. Vitrectomy
A Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel (the clear, jelly-like substance in the middle of the eye) is removed. This is usually done if there is significant bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) or scar tissue pulling on the retina (tractional retinal detachment) or in any other conditions. The vitreous is replaced with a clear solution to maintain the shape of the eye and relieve pressure.
5. Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Control
Managing diabetes effectively with tight blood sugar control (HbA1c levels ideally not above 7%) can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of further damage to the retinal blood vessels.
6. Lifestyle Changes and Monitoring
- Regular eye exams: Annual eye exams are essential for early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
- Healthy diet: Maintaining a diabetes-friendly diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve blood sugar control and overall vascular health.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among adults, particularly in those with diabetes. As AKIO is dedicated to preserving and enhancing vision, we understand the profound impact this condition can have on individuals and their quality of life.
If you are diabetic and if you think that your symptoms match with the ones mentioned above, we request you not to delay before seeing an eye specialist.
At AKIO we are devoted to our patients and with the advanced treatment options we are successful as a doctor and guide to many such patients with vision conditions.
