Diabetic Retina
Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where chronic high blood sugar affects the Heart, Nerves, and Eyes. Increased urbanization, stress, and lifestyle changes have led to a rise in diabetes cases.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This is the most common diabetic eye problem and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. These vessels may swell and leak, or they may close, stopping blood from passing through.
Other Risks: People with diabetes are also at higher risk for Cataracts and Glaucoma.
Who is at Risk?
- Patients with long-standing uncontrolled diabetes.
- Patients with high blood pressure (Hypertension).
- Patients with high cholesterol or anemia.
- Obesity and poor lifestyle choices.
Key Insight: Better control of blood sugar, BP, and cholesterol slows the onset and progression of retinopathy.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early stages often have NO symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience:
- Blurred Vision: Caused by fluid leaking into the center of the retina (Macular Edema).
- Floaters: Black spots or strings drifting in your vision, often caused by bleeding (Vitreous Hemorrhage).
- Sudden Vision Loss: Severe bleeding or retinal detachment.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
Since symptoms appear late, regular checkups are vital. Our examination involves:
Retina Photography
Detailed fundus photos to track changes over time.
Fluorescein Angiography
A dye test to detect leaking blood vessels and impaired flow.
Macula OCT
A scan to detect microscopic swelling in the central retina.
Treatment Modalities
Scatter Laser: Treats areas away from the center to shrink abnormal blood vessels.
Focal Laser: Treats swelling (edema) by sealing leaking vessels. Laser can reduce blindness risk by 90% but mainly stabilizes vision rather than restoring lost vision.
These are often the first line of treatment now. Injections (Anti-VEGF or Steroids) dramatically reduce swelling (macular edema) and help resolve bleeding, reducing the need for frequent laser sessions.
Used in advanced cases with severe bleeding or retinal detachment. The surgery removes blood and scar tissue to stabilize the retina and prevent blindness.
Common Questions about Diabetic Retina
Diabetes causes chronic damage over years. If you start controlling sugar after damage has occurred, it takes time for vessels to heal. Immediate improvement may not happen, but control prevents further worsening.
Depending on severity, 1 to 6 sittings may be required. Periodic evaluation is necessary even after treatment.
The effect of injections is temporary. Repeat injections are often needed until the retinopathy stabilizes. They are very effective in preserving vision.