Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular condition associated with diabetes which causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina. It is imperative to understand about diabetic retinopathy for one’s own good since the condition results in loss of vision, when left untreated.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
High glucose levels in the blood may cause damage to the delicate blood vessels located in the retina. In some cases, these blood vessels start leaking, swelling up or even get closed off entirely, resulting in poor vision.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) – Early-stage diabetic retinopathy.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) – Advanced diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
Initially, there may be no symptoms at all, but when the disease progresses, one can expect the following:
- Fluctuating or blurred vision
- Seeing dark areas in the field of vision
- Trouble with night vision
- Sudden loss of vision
- Vision becoming dimmer or faded
It is important to note that patients often disregard symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Causes & Risk Factors
While the primary cause is diabetes, there are several other risk factors:
- Duration of diabetes
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Early diagnosis is vital. Physicians may employ:
- Dilated Eye Exam
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Fundus Photography
- Fluorescein Angiography
Consistent eye examinations can allow the disease to be detected even before symptoms progress.
Therapies for Diabetic Retinopathy
The choice of treatment relies upon:
- Medication (Anti-VEGF Injections): They help in reducing swelling and preventing abnormal blood vessel formation.
- Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation): It helps in sealing leaks from blood vessels and preventing damage.
- Surgical Procedure (Vitrectomy): It is recommended in severe cases where blood needs to be drained from the eye.
- Glucose Regulation: Managing the diabetes condition is the most critical step.
Prevention Techniques
- Keep your blood sugar at a healthy level
- Schedule regular eye exams
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Do regular exercise
- Do not smoke
Introduction to GKR Ravisha Eye Clinic
GKR Ravisha Eye Clinic provides patients with high-quality and individualized care in treating eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy. Some of its features include:
- Eye specialists with years of experience
- Latest equipment for diagnosing eye diseases
- Retina treatment
- Focuses on the needs of their patients
Services provided by the clinic range from retina treatment to LASIK, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and pediatric ophthalmology.
Conclusion
Diabetic Retinopathy can be avoided from becoming the reason for loss of vision through early diagnosis. Timely visits to the eye doctor, proper management of diabetes, and proper treatment will go a long way in protecting your vision.
