Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that develops as a result of diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the retina over time. The retina is a layer of cells located at the back of the eye's inner wall, responsible for detecting light and transmitting images to the brain.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that develops as a result of diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the retina over time. The retina is a layer of cells located at the back of the eye's inner wall, responsible for detecting light and transmitting images to the brain.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop over time in many individuals with diabetes. In cases where blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, small blood vessels in the retina can become damaged. This damage can lead to swelling, leakage, or blockage of the retina's blood vessels.
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can initially be mild and may go unnoticed. However, as it progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
- Blurred vision
- Seeing floaters or spots
- Difficulty with night vision
- Restriction or distortion of the visual field
- Changes in color perception
The treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and regular eye check-ups are important. Treatment options may include:
- Diabetes management: Regulating and controlling blood sugar levels can slow down or halt the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
- Medication: In some cases, treatments involving injections of medication into the eye may be used to reduce the leakage of blood vessels or prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser therapy: Laser energy can be used to close off abnormal blood vessels in the retina or reduce leakage. Laser therapy may be used for edema or abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Vitrectomy: In advanced cases where clouding or bleeding inside the eye leads to severe vision loss, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be necessary. During this procedure, the cloudy fluid and tissues inside the eye are removed and replaced with a clear solution or gas.
Diabetic retinopathy can be managed with early diagnosis and regular follow-ups. Therefore, it is important for individuals with diabetes to take care of their eye health, undergo regular eye examinations, and keep their blood sugar levels under control.