
What is diabetic retinopathy?
How does diabetes affect your vision and how is it managed and treated?
Diabetes is a chronic health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It impacts blood sugar levels and over the long term even when managed carefully, poses a serious threat to various organs and systems within the body.
One of the most concerning complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy which is a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated.
This blog focuses on diabetic retinopathy, exploring how diabetes affects vision and its available management and treatment options.
How does diabetes affect vision?
Simply defined, diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina.
The retina plays a crucial role in vision, as it converts light into signals that are then sent to the brain, allowing us to perceive images. If the retina is damaged or compromised so is vision.
When the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they may leak fluid or blood, leading to swelling and distorted vision. In addition new abnormal blood vessels may also grow on the surface of the retina, which can further impair and impact sight.
There are two main types and stages of diabetic retinopathy
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage of the disease, small blood vessels in the retina leak fluid or blood, causing the retina to swell. This may lead to blurred or distorted vision, and may take some time for symptoms to become noticeable.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): As the disease advances, new abnormal blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina. These fragile vessels are prone to bleeding, leading to the formation of scar tissue and further vision impairment. As it progresses, PDR can cause severe vision loss or blindness.
Management and Treatment Options
Managing diabetic retinopathy involves controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of damage to the retina.
Additionally, regular eye exams are essential for early detection, management, monitoring and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Below are some key management and treatment options for this condition.
- Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is critical in preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. This often involves a combination of medication, insulin therapy, dietary changes, and regular exercise. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels and following a diabetes management plan are essential.
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy by damaging blood vessels in the retina. Therefore, managing these risk factors through lifestyle and dietary modifications and, if necessary, medication, can help reduce or remove this risk.
- Regular Eye Exams: People with diabetes should undergo comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once a year to detect diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, and also monitor its progression. During this exam, an ophthalmologist will examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, design of a treatment plan, and better vision outcomes.
- Laser Treatment: In cases of advanced diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment may be necessary to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal blood vessels. This procedure, known as laser photocoagulation, helps prevent further vision loss and may even improve vision in some cases.
- Intravitreal Injections: For severe cases of diabetic retinopathy that has resulted in swelling of the macula (which is part of the retina at the back of the eye and is responsible for our central vision), intravitreal injections may be recommended. These injections help reduce this swelling and improve vision by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels. They can be done in clinic or in theatre and involves little downtime.
- Vitrectomy: In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy where there is significant bleeding in the eye or the potential risk of retinal detachment, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be performed. During this procedure, the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a clear solution to restore vision.
It’s important to seek specialist advice
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision impairment or blindness if not managed appropriately. Understanding how diabetes affects vision and knowing the available treatment options is important for individuals with diabetes to preserve their eyesight.
By controlling blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, undergoing regular eye exams, and seeking timely treatment when necessary, individuals with diabetes can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and maintain good eye health.
Early detection and intervention are key to preserving vision and improving outcomes for those affected by diabetic retinopathy.
If you have diabetes and are looking to manage your eye health, please do not hesitate to contact us tobook a consultation Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre.
Dr Devaraj Supramaniam, a consulting ophthalmologist at Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre and specialises in the treatment and the management of vitreoretinal and macular issues including diabetic retinopathy.
Got questions? Please do not hesitate to visit these pages on our website reach out to a member of our team at aelc@aelc.com.au or 08 8274 7000.