What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy refers to an eye condition of abnormal development in the retina due to diabetes. In a Diabetic patient, due to an uncontrolled high blood sugar level, there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the layer situated at the back of the eye, which transmits images to the brain via the optic nerves. Since the retina is affected, it is known as Diabetic Retinopathy. If left untreated, diabetes retinopathy, can lead to a complete loss of vision. Maa Nursing Home and NetraJyoti Eyecare Centre offers advanced treatment for this eye disease.
Retinopathy begins with the blood vessels in the retina leaking fluid, proteins, or fats. In mild cases, it is not noticeable. Gradually, the blood vessels get clogged and develop blockages and sometimes, it ruptures. This stage is called Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). In the second stage, identified as Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), abnormal new blood vessels (neovascularization) sprout on the surface of the retina. The primary cause of PDR is clogging and lack of blood flow to the retina. The retina responds by growing new blood vessels to supply blood to areas where the original ones have stopped functioning. These abnormal blood vessels are fragile and may cause bleeding in the retina. At this stage, the patient may suffer severe visual loss or complete blindness due to vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment or neovascular glaucoma.
Some diabetic patients may get Diabetic Maculopathy. In Diabetic Maculopathy, fluid rich in fats and cholesterols leak out of damaged vessels near macula, affecting the central vision.
Retinopathy is one of the complications of diabetes. Hence, keeping sugar levels in control and a regular eye check-up is vital to prevent damage to the eyes.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
In the early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, a patient has no symptoms. At this stage, it is easily treatable without impacting the vision. When the visual symptoms appear, it is often too late.
What are the eye complications due to Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy can lead to other severe eye conditions:
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME): A condition where the patient has blurred vision due to fluid leaks from the blood vessels.
- Neovascular Glaucoma.: In this type, new blood vessels block the vision.
- Retinal Detachment: A condition where the retina gets detached from the back of the eye.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosed?
A dilated eye exam helps in the detection of Retinopathy. Maa Nursing Home and NetraJyoti Eyecare Centre has advanced equipment for a complete eye check-up. Those suffering from Diabetic Retinopathy should test their eyes every 2-4 months.
What is the treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterols are vital to prevent or postpone the occurrence of Retinopathy. However, Retinopathy may develop despite control of blood sugar by the patient. The poorer the diabetes control, the greater the severity of Retinopathy and chance of haemorrhages in the eyes.
After a thorough examination and diagnosis of the severity of the problem, our eye doctor will recommend a suitable treatment plan, which includes:
- LASER Photocoagulation treatment: Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated effectively with LASERs. Although vision loss is irreversible, worsening of damage can be stopped and blindness averted. The LASER targets the ocular tissue/ retina, which absorbs the light beam energy converting to heat energy and coagulating the tissue by burning. Thus, the LASER welds the leaking point in the retina and destroys the new blood vessels in the retina. Thereby, prevent various complications such as vitreous haemorrhage, fibrous scar tissue or retinal detachment. LASER photocoagulation treatment is a safe, painless day-care procedure.
- Vitrectomy Eye surgery: Doctors recommend this surgery to patients with bleeding or scarring in the retina. This surgery removes the abnormal blood vessels and blood-filled vitreous and replaces them with a clear solution.
For some Diabetic maculopathy patients, injections are given in the eye to prevent swelling due to leakages and improve central vision.
How long does it take to recover after the Vitrectomy surgery?
Usually, after a Vitrectomy surgery, the eye takes about 2 -4 weeks to recover and resume routine activities. While healing, one may experience:
- Redness and swelling in the operated eye
- Pain
- Blurred vision
After the surgery, the ophthalmologist will instruct to:
- Wear an eye patch, usually for about a day
- Use eye drops to reduce swelling and prevent infection
- Avoid physical activities like driving, intense exercise, and lifting heavy objects.
- Rest for about 2 to 4 weeks
Sometimes, the doctor will inject an air or gas bubble into the eye. In such cases, the patient needs to take extra precautions. If silicone oil is put in the eye, it is removed later with a second surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy may not always be preventable. However, one can prevent complete vision loss by controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterols. Also, they need to undergo regular eye check-ups and take treatment for any vision problems.