Diabetic Retinopathy is a type of eye disease caused by diabetes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.
Initially, Diabetic Retinopathy shows no symptoms or very minor visual abnormalities. Both type 1 or type 2 diabetes patients can get this disease. The longer a person has diabetes with less blood sugar regulation, the more probable one may get this eye issue.
In the beginning stages of diabetic retinopathy, a person may not notice any symptoms. As the illness worsens, the person might experience the following symptoms:
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Get A Second OpinionDiabetes treatment is the most effective approach to avoid visual loss. If you have diabetes, even if your vision appears to be fine, schedule an annual eye exam and frequent examinations as advised by the ophthalmologist .
Immediately visit your eye doctor when you face difficulty in eyesight. Sudden changes like blurry or foggy vision or floaters in the eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy is classified into two types:
Scar tissue from the formation of new blood vessels may eventually cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. If the new blood vessels block the usual flow of fluid out of the eye, pressure may build up in the eyeball.
Diabetic Retinopathy is caused due to extra blood sugar, which can cause blockage of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, stopping its blood supply over time. Therefore, the eye starts to form new blood vessels. These new blood vessels, on the other hand, may not develop correctly and may leak easily causing hemorrhage in the eye .
Diabetic retinopathy can affect everyone who has diabetes. The risk factors are:
Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or diabetes before pregnancy might raise the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Consult an Ophthalmologist if you are pregnant.
Diabetic Retinopathy cannot always be prevented. However, regular eye checkups, managing proper blood sugar levels,blood pressure control, and early intervention for vision disorders can help in avoiding loss of vision.
Reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes by adopting the following lifestyle habits:
Remember that diabetes does not always result in eyesight loss. The A1C target for the majority of diabetics is less than 7%.
Following are the tests to diagnose diabetic retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy treatment is based on symptoms, age, and overall health. Treatment also is decided by the severity of the condition.
Patients with advanced retinopathy who receive treatment before their retina suffers significant damage have a good chance of retaining their vision.
Diabetic retinopathy treatment may include one or more of the following:
Following are some sets of do's and don'ts to be followed during diabetic retinopathy:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Get regular eye checkups | Have inadequate sleep |
| Take proper nutrients | Do smoking |
| Wear eye protection when necessary | Use screens for long hours |
| Monitor blood sugar levels | Forget to take diabetes medicines |
| Manage cholesterol levels | Forget to exercise regularly |
Diabetic Retinopathy can cause vision loss and other serious problems, so it is very important to get treated.
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Book an AppointmentAt Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to patients with compassion and care. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy. We have an excellent team of an ophthalmologist who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.
The retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye, is harmed by diabetes-related retinopathy, an eye condition. It is the primary factor in diabetics' vision deterioration.
DR gradually appears as a result of the retina's blood vessels being damaged by excessive blood sugar levels. There are two types: proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). NPDR involves weakened blood vessels and small hemorrhages, while PDR involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Diabetics, whether type 1 or type 2, are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases with diabetes duration and poor blood sugar control.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no noticeable symptoms. To detect and treat the condition before it worsens and impairs vision, routine eye exams are crucial.
Diabetic retinopathy is normally diagnosed by an eye professional (ophthalmologist or optometrist) after a thorough eye examination. This examination may include dilation of the pupils to get a better view of the retina.
While you can't completely prevent diabetic retinopathy, you can significantly reduce your risk by managing your diabetes effectively. This includes controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as leading a healthy lifestyle.
Injections of an anti-VEGF medication, laser therapy, and occasionally surgery are among the treatments for diabetic retinopathy. The severity and stage of the disease determine the best course of action.
Diabetic retinopathy is not usually reversible, but early detection and timely treatment can prevent or slow down its progression and reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
Even if they don't exhibit any signs of diabetic retinopathy, people with diabetes should get a thorough eye checkup at least once a year, according to the American Diabetes Association. More frequent exams may be necessary if diabetic retinopathy is already present.
Yes, leading a healthy lifestyle with proper diabetes control, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and quitting smoking, can help decrease the development of diabetic retinopathy and lower the risk of problems.
Advanced diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss or blindness. It can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
No, diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma.
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