EMERGENCY: 1800 330 0000 I CALL: NOIDA : +91-9582833333, GREATER NOIDA : +91-8800447777, NOIDA EXT: +91-8800110086 , JHANSI: +91 8800550084, FARIDABAD: +91-8588833310

ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment and potentially blindness if left untreated. It typically develops in people with long-term diabetes and poor blood sugar control.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Dark spots or floaters
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Loss of central vision
  • Colors appearing faded or washed out
  • Sudden and complete loss of vision

Causes

The major causes of diabetic retinopathy are:

  • Suffering from diabetes for a longer period of time
  • Improper management of diabetes
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma

Types

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR):

Early stage where blood vessels in the retina weaken and may leak fluid or blood.

Subtypes: Mild, Moderate, and Severe NPDR based on the extent of damage.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):

Advanced stage where new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which can lead to severe vision problems and blindness.

Diagnosis

  • Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and tonometry.
  • Fluorescein Angiography: Involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream to highlight blood vessels in the retina.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging test providing detailed images of the retina.
  • Fundus Photography: Captures images of the retina to monitor changes over time.

Treatment

Medications:

  • Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Avastin, Lucentis, or Eylea are injected into the eye to reduce swelling and slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
  • Steroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina.

Non-Surgical Interventions:

  • Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): Laser is used to seal or shrink abnormal blood vessels and prevent leakage.
  • Vitrectomy: Surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel and blood from leaking vessels in the eye.

Surgical Interventions:

  • Vitrectomy Surgery: Removes the vitreous gel filled with blood and scar tissue from the eye, which can improve vision.

FAQ

  • What causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

    Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth.

  • Can Diabetic Retinopathy be prevented?

    Yes, maintaining good blood sugar control, regular eye exams, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or slow the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy.

  • Is Diabetic Retinopathy treatable?

    Yes, with early detection and appropriate treatment, the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy can be slowed or even stopped, and vision can be preserved.

  • How often should someone with diabetes have an eye exam?

    People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Those with Diabetic Retinopathy may need more frequent exams.

  • What are the risk factors for Diabetic Retinopathy?

    Risk factors include duration of diabetes, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pregnancy, and smoking.

At Yatharth Hospital, our dedicated team of ophthalmologists and diabetes specialists provides comprehensive care for Diabetic Retinopathy. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge treatments, we aim to preserve and restore vision, ensuring a better quality of life for our patients. If you have diabetes or are experiencing vision changes, schedule an appointment with our experts for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

Other Conditions & Treatments

Get free second opinion from

India’s leading specialists.