The dangers of diabetic retinopathy
DIABETIC retinopathy is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. All forms of diabetic retinopathy have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among adults.
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. Some facts about this condition are listed below.
Symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages
Spots or dark strings floating in the visual field (floaters)
Blurry vision
Fluctuating vision
Colour vision deficiency
Dark or empty spots in your vision Vision loss
A chronic comorbidity
Chronically high blood sugar from diabetes is associated with damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or haemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision.
In its most advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels proliferate (increase in number) on the surface of the retina, which can lead to scarring and cell loss in the retina.
There are three types of diabetic retinopathy:
Non-proliferative retinopathy is an early form of the disease, where the retinal blood vessels leak fluid or bleed.
Proliferative retinopathy is an advanced form of the disease and occurs when the retina starts growing new blood vessels (neovascularisation). The new blood vessels are fragile, which makes them more likely to leak and bleed.
Macular oedema is a swelling of the macula, caused by the leakage of fluid from retinal blood vessels. It can damage central vision.
How it may happen
Your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy can increase depending on the following factors:
A longer period of living with diabetes increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy
Poor control of blood sugar level High blood pressure
High cholesterol Pregnancy
Tobacco use
Other conditions that may occur as a result of or with diabetic retinopathy are:
Vitreous haemorrhage – New blood vessels may bleed into clear, jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. If the amount of bleeding is small, one might see only a few dark spots or floaters. In more severe cases, the blood can completely block vision. Retinal detachment – The abnormal blood vessels stimulate the growth of scar tissue, which can pull the retina away from the back of the eye.
Glaucoma – New blood vessels may grow in the front part of the eye and interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of the eye, causing pressure in the eye to build up. Blindness – Eventually, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or both can lead to complete vision loss.
Treating the condition
Depending on the specific problems, options may include:
Laser treatment – Can be used to seal off leaking blood vessels
Vitrectomy – Involves using a tiny incision in the eye to remove blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) as well as scar tissue that is tugging on the retina Injecting medicine into the eye –An injectable medication, called vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, may help stop the growth of new blood vessels by blocking the effects of growth signals the body sends to generate new blood vessels.
Keeping diabetic retinopathy from worsening
Early detection and treatment can reduce your risk of going blind from diabetic retinopathy. Listed below are a few wellaccepted strategies.
Monitor your blood sugar level. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
Stop smoking as it increases your risk of developing various diabetes complications.
Attend regular eye examinations and get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. – By Dr Angela Loo Voon Pei, consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Top Vision Eye Specialist Centre For more information, call 03-3343 9911 or 03-3343 0099, or email enquiry@tvesc.com