What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage these tiny blood vessels, leading to vision problems and, if untreated, potential vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases with:
- Longer duration of diabetes
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Tobacco use
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through several stages:
- Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy:
Early stage with small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retinal blood vessels (microaneurysms).
- Moderate to Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy:
As the disease progresses, blood vessels may become blocked, and more changes occur in the retina.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy:
The most advanced stage, where new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These vessels can bleed, scar, and lead to retinal detachment.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):
Swelling in the central part of the retina (macula) due to leaking blood vessels, which can occur at any stage and is a common cause of vision loss.
Symptoms
Early diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms. As the condition progresses, patients may notice:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Impaired color vision
- Areas of vision loss
- Sudden vision changes (in advanced cases)
Diagnosis
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
- Dilated retinal examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal swelling
- Fundus photography
- Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood vessel leakage and new vessel growth
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease:
- Early Stages:
Careful monitoring and optimal control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are essential to slow progression.
- Diabetic Macular Edema or Advanced Retinopathy:
- Intravitreal injections: Medications such as anti-VEGF agents (e.g. ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab) or steroids to reduce swelling and prevent further damage.
- Laser therapy: Focal or grid laser to seal leaking blood vessels or panretinal photocoagulation to shrink abnormal vessels.
- Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of blood or scar tissue from the vitreous in cases of severe bleeding or retinal detachment.
Prevention and Ongoing Care
- Maintain good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.
- Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if recommended.
- Report any changes in vision promptly.
Our Approach
We offer advanced diagnostic imaging, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Our goal is to preserve vision and help patients maintain the best possible quality of life through early detection, effective treatment, and patient education.
Patient Resources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – Diabetic Retinopathy
- American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) – Diabetic Retinopathy
- National Eye Institute (NEI) – Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have additional questions or need support, please contact our office. We are here to help you every step of the way.