Beware of diabetic retinopathy

Dr Triveni,

DIABETIC retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eye and is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina which is a light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is one of the leading causes of visual loss and blindness in diabetics.

The risk factors are the long duration of diabetes, poor control of blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pregnancy.

Symptoms: The initial stages do not have any symptoms. As the disease progresses, blurred vision, spots floating in vision, dark or empty areas of vision, sudden visual loss can occur. When the disease is mild to moderate it is called Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and the advanced stage is called Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). In the NPDR stage, blood vessels of the retina become weak and start leaking fluid and blood into the retina. When fluid leaks into the central portion of the retina, called the macula, the patient can suffer a sudden loss of vision.

In advanced stages, blood vessels get blocked and in an attempt to restore lost blood supply, the eye forms new blood vessels. These vessels are very fragile, easily leak fluid and blood into the retina as well as into the vitreous a jelly-like substance that fills the centre of the eyeball.

Treatment: The laser can be done for damaged vessels. If swelling in the retina is observed, monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are given in the eye till it reduces. In advanced stages, surgeries are performed. The risk of developing retinopathy can be reduced by following certain lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, taking regular medications, frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels, stopping smoking, and keeping BP cholesterol under control.