Diabetic Retinopathy

Stages of diabetic retinopathy:

• Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

NPDR is the earliest stage. It is usually symptomless but can cause a slight blurring of vision. The blood vessels in the retina start leaking blood, causing a range of problems from swelling in a region called macula ( the most sensitive part of the retina), deposits of blood across the retina called hemorrhages, or even ischemia (lack of oxygen) which causes damage to the retina.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

PDR is the advanced stage and develops in 50% of cases after 25 years. The leaking blood vessels cause a deficiency of blood reaching the retina, and the body reacts by developing new vessels. The problem with such a reaction is that these new vessels leak blood into the vitreous, the substance that makes up nearly 80% of your eye. This can cause floaters in your vision. Scarring of the retina is also common in this stage and that can lead to retinal detachment. PDR is dangerous and can lead to central and peripheral loss of vision.

• Advanced Diabetic Eye Disease

Prolonged diabetic changes in the eye can lead to drastic and dreaded consequences like retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and glaucoma.

Your doctor will check your blood sugar and perform certain eye tests during a comprehensive eye examination to detect such changes including a slit lamp examination, retinoscopy, and advanced scans called fundus fluorescein angiography.

Treatment of these changes depends on the stage of the disease among other factors and includes:

• Regular eye checkups initially to monitor the development of the disease.
• Injections called anti-VEGF to slow down the changes.
• Laser treatment to plug the leaking blood vessels.
• In advanced cases with scarring, they might recommend a surgery called a vitrectomy.

Screening of diabetics becomes important to detect these changes early and take necessary steps to prevent further damage. It is recommended that a diabetic get their eyes checked every year by a specialist. Early intervention can be the difference between good vision and blindness!