Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to the brain.

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative and proliferative.

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the early stage of the disease. In this stage, the blood vessels in the retina become weakened and leaky, causing swelling and fluid accumulation in the retina. This can lead to blurred vision and, in some cases, loss of vision.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the advanced stage of the disease. In this stage, new blood vessels grow in the retina in an attempt to replace the damaged ones. However, these new blood vessels are fragile and can leak blood into the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. This can cause floaters, spots, and clouded vision, and in severe cases, may lead to blindness.

Treatment

Treatment, which depends largely on the type of diabetic retinopathy you have and how severe it is, is geared to slowing or stopping progression of the condition.

Early diabetic retinopathy (Non-Proliferative)

If you have mild or moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may not need treatment right away. However, your eye doctor will closely monitor your eyes to determine when you might need treatment.

When diabetic retinopathy is mild or moderate, good blood sugar control can usually slow the progression.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema

If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, you’ll need prompt surgical treatment. Depending on the specific problems with your retina, options may include:

• Photocoagulation A laser treatment that can possibly stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. During the procedure, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are treated with laser burns. Focal laser treatment at Vision Clinic on one or more sessions depending on the extent of the disease. If you had blurred vision before laser, the treatment might not return your vision to normal, but it’s likely to reduce the chance progression of the retinopathy/edema.
• Vitrectomy This procedure uses a few tiny incisions in your eye to remove blood or treat the Diabetes at the back of the eye. It’s done in theatre usually using local anesthesia.
• Injecting medicine into the eye. Dr Gani may suggest injecting medication into the back in the eye. These medications, called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, may help stop growth of new blood vessels by blocking the effects of growth signals the body sends to generate new blood vessels. This is the mainstay of treatment and the most common but treatment greatly varies from patient to patient.