Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy
Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes can cause several health conditions. Excess sugar can damage the blood vessels, nerves, and organs. At the same time, most people are now aware that diabetes can cause heart disease and kidney damage. However, it is essential to understand that diabetes can increase the risk of serious diabetic eye disease.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder that occurs when the blood vessels in the eye’s retina are damaged. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and contains many tiny blood vessels.
These vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to the retina. In diabetic retinopathy, these blood vessels can become weakened, leaky, or blocked. This damage can cause blood to leak into the retina. As a result, the retina cannot function properly, leading to vision problems like blurred vision or even vision loss. Over time, if untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Difficulty seeing in dim light area
- Faded colours
- Vision loss
Risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy:
- Duration of diabetes: The longer someone has poor blood sugar control, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. It usually develops after several years of poorly controlled blood sugar levels.
- Age: People over the age of 40 may be at greater risk.
- High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels can damage blood vessels, worsening retinopathy.
- Pregnancy: Women with diabetes who are pregnant, particularly with uncontrolled blood sugar, are at higher risk.
- Smoking can worsen blood vessel damage.
Regular eye exams and good management of blood sugar levels are crucial in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Avoiding Diabetic Retinopathy: 4 Key Steps
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, adopting the following strategies can help you manage your condition and prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy:
- Routine eye examinations: It is crucial to schedule regular eye exams at least once a year, or as advised by your ophthalmologist, to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
- Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure & cholesterol: Effective management plays a key role in reducing the risk and progression of this condition.
- Follow a diabetic diet, exercise regularly & quit smoking: Follow a diabetic diet, maintain regular physical activity, and avoid smoking to enhance overall health and minimise complications.
- Adhere to prescribed medications: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to manage diabetes effectively.
Treatment
You may need treatment for diabetic retinopathy only in its advanced stages when your vision is at risk. The treatment options include:
- Laser treatment: Used to treat maculopathy and reduce the growth of new blood vessels.
- Eye injections and steroid eye implants: Eye injections are used when the macula is affected, and if they are not effective, steroid eye implants may be considered
- Eye surgery: Performed when laser treatment is not possible.
LumiLab guides, webpages, and articles discussing optometry and ophthalmology are intended only for educational and informative purposes and do not serve as medical or professional advice. The information presented, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult your physician, optician, or other health care professional if you have questions about your eye health or vision.
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