Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem that occurs as a result of diabetes and is caused by changes to the blood cells of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision – it needs to be healthy to ensure good vision.
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes and left untreated may cause loss of vision or even blindness. People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing the condition, and should get regular eye tests in order to catch and treat it early.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs because of prolonged periods of high blood sugar caused by diabetes and can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. The blood vessels may become leaky or blocked off.
Leaky vessels can lead to haemorrhage or cause fluid to leak in to the retina. If the retina is starved of oxygen it may be damaged or may lead to the growth of new abnormal vessels.
In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss.
Types of diabetic retinopathy
There are three main types of diabetic retinopathy.
These three types are differentiated according to the stage that the condition has reached-
1. Non-proliferative retinopathy: The early stage of the condition characterised by small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina’s tiny blood vessels.
2. Maculopathy oedema: As the condition progresses, the macula (which provides our central vision and is vital for clear, detailed vision) swells, caused by leakage of fluid from the blood vessels of the retina.
3. Proliferative retinopathy: At this advanced stage, when blood vessels in the retina have disappeared, the retina’s need for nourishment triggers the growth of new blood vessels. These new abnormal vessels are fragile, bleed easily and may stimulate abnormal supporting tissues which can result in the retina peeling away from the back of the eye. Severe vision loss and even blindness can result.
Symptoms diabetic retinopathy
During the early stages of the condition there may be no symptoms but as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may present:
Blurred vision Seeing floaters or flashers Eye strain HeadachesHow to treat diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by examining the back of the retina using special instruments. With mild diabetic retinopathy there may not be any specific treatment but blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels need to be controlled.
Macular oedema and proliferative retinopathy are treated with laser surgery. Proliferative retinopathy requires scatter laser treatment to shrink abnormal blood cells; macular oedema is treated with focal laser treatment to target the areas of retinal leakage surrounding the macula. The burns caused by the laser help slow the leakage and reduce the fluid in the retina. Surgery may be necessary in very advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy.
How to prevent diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can be prevented and treated by controlling blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
Control blood glucose levels by eating a healthy diet, lose weight if you are overweight and exercising regularly. Monitor and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Get eye tests on a regular basis.