Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to diabetes. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, crucial for vision.
Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can weaken and damage the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina, causing the vessels to leak blood, fluid, or to close all together – this leads to diabetic retinopathy.
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In the early stages, NPDR may not show noticeable symptoms. The blood vessels in the retina weaken and may leak fluid or small amounts of blood into the retina.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): As the disease progresses, more severe changes occur. New, abnormal blood vessels start growing on the surface of the retina or into the vitreous gel, a condition called neovascularization. These fragile blood vessels are prone to bleeding/leaking and may cause scar tissue formation, leading to retinal detachment or glaucoma. PDR poses a significant risk of severe vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
Leaking fluid from damaged blood vessels can cause macular edema. This is swelling of the area of central vision. This can lead to blurry or distorted vision, and left untreated can cause permanent vision reduction. Macular edema is not considered in the grading of diabetic retinopathy and can happen with or without other changes in the retina. The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can vary depending on the stage of the condition.
● Blurred or fluctuating vision
● Difficulty seeing in low light conditions
● Floaters or spots in the field of vision
● Sudden loss of vision
Regular eye examinations are crucial for individuals with diabetes, as early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not present noticeable symptoms. An eye doctor can detect signs of retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam, including dilating the pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Management and treatment of diabetic retinopathy aim to slow its progression and prevent vision loss. Controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Treatments may include laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, injections of medications into the eye to reduce swelling or prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, or, in more advanced cases, vitrectomy surgery to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye.
Early detection, regular eye exams, and proactive management of diabetes are key to preventing and managing diabetic retinopathy, helping to preserve vision and reduce the risk of severe complications.