Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. High blood sugar levels can damage these vessels over time, leading to vision problems or even blindness if untreated.
Stages of DR:
  • Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage where blood vessels weaken, leak fluid or blood, or form small bulges (microaneurysms). Vision may still be normal at this point.
  • Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels grow on the retina or optic disc, potentially leading to severe vision loss from bleeding or retinal detachment.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy:Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Often no symptoms in early stages
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Dark spots or floaters in your field of vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Loss of central vision
  • Colors appearing faded or washed out

Risk Factors:

  • Duration of diabetes (longer duration increases risk)
  • Poor blood sugar control
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Kidney disease
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy (in diabetic women)

Diagnosis:

We use advanced tools to detect DR:
  • Dilated Eye Exam: Allows a detailed view of the retina to spot swelling, leaks, or abnormal blood vessels.
  • Fundus Photography: Captures detailed images of the retina for monitoring progression.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images to detect retinal swelling (macular edema).
  • Fluorescein Angiography: Uses dye to highlight blood vessel issues in severe cases.
 

Treatment:Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Early Stage (NPDR):
  • Strict blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol management.
  • Regular monitoring to prevent progression.
Advanced Stage (PDR or Macular Edema):
  • Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Seals leaking blood vessels or reduces abnormal vessel growth.
  • Anti-VEGF Injections: Reduces swelling and stops new vessel growth (e.g., Avastin, Lucentis).
  • Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye in severe cases.
 

Prevention and Management:

  • Maintain tight control of blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication.
  • Regular eye exams (at least annually for diabetics, or more often if DR is present).
  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Quit smoking to improve circulation and reduce risk.

Why Choose Us?

  • Expertise in diabetic eye care with cutting-edge diagnostic technology.
  • Collaborative approach with your diabetes care team for holistic management.
  • Personalized treatment plans to preserve your vision.
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