Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, the neural tissue in the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in the
US.
Are there different types of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes can cause two main types of changes: nonproliferative, meaning there is no growth of new abnormal blood vessels, and proliferative,
referring to the growth of new abnormal blood vessels.
In early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, there are balloon-like outpouchings of very small blood vessels in the retina. Small spots of blood can be seen in the retina. As the retinopathy becomes more advanced, there can be blockage of blood vessels that nourish the retina.
If these blockages become severe, the retina produces chemicals to cause the growth of new blood vessels. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are not strong like the native ones, and can bleed easily.
In either type of retinopathy, the balloon-like outpouchings of the blood vessels can leak and cause swelling of the retina. If this happens in the macula, the part of the retina that controls central vision, decreased vision can result.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Early diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms, which is why yearly eye exams for patients with diabetes are recommended. If there is swelling
of the retina, the vision may be blurry. If there is bleeding in the eye from new blood vessels, there may be floaters or extremely blurry vision.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete eye exam, including:
- Visual acuity testing, or clearness on the eye chart
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated fundus examination: This allows your doctor to examine your retina, looking for changes in the blood vessels or swelling.
Sometimes, additional tests may be recommended based on your exam findings.
Patients with type 2 diabetes should be examined within several months of diagnosis.
Pregnant women with diabetes should be examined within the first trimester, as retinopathy can progress more quickly during pregnancy.
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy by strict control of blood sugars and blood pressure is important.
If you develop mild forms of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, no treatment is necessary. However, a repeat exam in less than one year may be recommended. It is important to maintain better blood sugar control.
If you develop swelling of the macula or abnormal blood vessels, you may require laser treatment or injections of medication into the eye to treat these
conditions.
US.
Are there different types of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes can cause two main types of changes: nonproliferative, meaning there is no growth of new abnormal blood vessels, and proliferative,
referring to the growth of new abnormal blood vessels.
In early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, there are balloon-like outpouchings of very small blood vessels in the retina. Small spots of blood can be seen in the retina. As the retinopathy becomes more advanced, there can be blockage of blood vessels that nourish the retina.
If these blockages become severe, the retina produces chemicals to cause the growth of new blood vessels. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are not strong like the native ones, and can bleed easily.
In either type of retinopathy, the balloon-like outpouchings of the blood vessels can leak and cause swelling of the retina. If this happens in the macula, the part of the retina that controls central vision, decreased vision can result.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Early diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms, which is why yearly eye exams for patients with diabetes are recommended. If there is swelling
of the retina, the vision may be blurry. If there is bleeding in the eye from new blood vessels, there may be floaters or extremely blurry vision.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete eye exam, including:
- Visual acuity testing, or clearness on the eye chart
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated fundus examination: This allows your doctor to examine your retina, looking for changes in the blood vessels or swelling.
Sometimes, additional tests may be recommended based on your exam findings.
Patients with type 2 diabetes should be examined within several months of diagnosis.
Pregnant women with diabetes should be examined within the first trimester, as retinopathy can progress more quickly during pregnancy.
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy by strict control of blood sugars and blood pressure is important.
If you develop mild forms of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, no treatment is necessary. However, a repeat exam in less than one year may be recommended. It is important to maintain better blood sugar control.
If you develop swelling of the macula or abnormal blood vessels, you may require laser treatment or injections of medication into the eye to treat these
conditions.
