Diabetic Retinopathy>>
- What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
- Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
- Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Pre-Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy
- Post-Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy
- Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). High blood sugar levels cause blockage of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina, cutting off its blood supply. As a result, the eye attempts to grow new blood vessels. However, these new blood vessels do not develop properly and can easily leak fluid.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Vascular Occlusion (Early Stage):
Swelling occurs in the inner walls of blood vessels, leading to fluid and substance leakage into the retina.
Neovascularization (Advanced Stage):
The eye responds by forming new capillaries in an attempt to compensate for the loss of damaged blood vessels. However, these new capillaries are fragile and can lead to bleeding inside the eye.
Hemorrhagic Retinopathy (Advanced Stage):
Internal eye bleeding can progress to hemorrhagic retinopathy, further increasing vision loss.
Scar Formation and Abnormal Blood Vessels:
Scar tissue and abnormal blood vessels develop, leading to additional vision deterioration and a higher risk of blindness.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy can present with various symptoms and may have serious effects on vision if not managed properly. Here are some symptoms that may appear in cases of diabetic retinopathy:
Blurred Vision:
You may experience blurred or unclear vision, especially when looking at distant or nearby objects.
Dark Spots or Floating Strings:
Black spots or floating strings may appear in your field of vision, which could indicate internal eye bleeding.
Fluctuations in Vision:
You may notice unusual fluctuations in your vision, especially if you wear prescription glasses and do not maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Reduced Night Vision:
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to decreased night vision sharpness, making it difficult to see objects in the dark.
At Roya Hakim, we emphasize the importance of eye care for individuals with diabetes. It is essential to pay attention to any vision changes and report them immediately, as well as undergo regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist to assess retinal health. Early detection of potential developments ensures timely treatment and helps maintain eye health.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
- Long-term diabetes
Poor blood sugar control
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Pregnancy
Smoking
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Focal Laser Therapy or Photocoagulation:
Laser burns target sealing leaks from abnormal blood vessels, stopping or slowing blood and fluid leakage in the eye.
Scatter Laser Therapy or Panretinal Photocoagulation:
Scattered laser burns are applied to areas of the retina away from the macula (the central region of the retina responsible for sharp vision), usually over two or three sessions. These laser burns cause abnormal new blood vessels to shrink and scar.
Vitrectomy:
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye to remove blood from the vitreous (the gel-like substance in the center of the eye) along with scar tissue affecting the retina.
Intravitreal Injections:
These medications help reduce fluid accumulation and swelling in the retina, improving vision quality.
Initially, injections are given once a month, with the intervals gradually increasing over time. Some commonly used medications include:
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Intravitreal Injection Procedure:
The procedure takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and involves the following steps:
- The doctor numbs the eye’s surface using anesthetic drops or gel.
- The eye and eyelids are cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent bacterial infection.
- An eyelid speculum is placed to keep the eye open, and the patient is asked to focus on a fixed point to facilitate the injection.
- The doctor inserts a very fine needle into the white part of the eye. The injection is generally painless, but the patient may feel slight pressure.
- The doctor removes the eyelid speculum, cleans the eye to remove antiseptic residue, and ensures there are no complications.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy
Medical Evaluation:
The patient underwent a thorough medical evaluation to determine the progression of diabetic retinopathy and identify the appropriate treatment.Fasting if Required:
Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding fasting before any procedure if necessary.Discuss Expectations:
Talk with the doctor about the expectations and any potential changes in vision.Medication Adjustment:
Inform the doctor about all medications you’re taking to ensure they don’t interfere with any procedure being performed.
Post-Treatment Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy
Rest After the Session:
You may need a short rest period after the procedure.Avoid Bright Light After Laser Procedures:
Avoid bright light for a few hours after the session and use sunglasses if necessary.Take Medications as Directed by the Doctor:
Follow all the doctor’s instructions regarding regular medication intake according to the prescribed schedule.Avoid Pressure:
Avoid putting pressure on the injected eye and refrain from activities that could increase the risk of complications after the injection.Self-Monitoring:
Track the condition of your eye and notice any changes in your vision. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms.The patient should be well-informed about all instructions, and if there are any abnormal symptoms or concerns, they should contact the #Roya_Hakeem team or the specialist doctor immediately.
Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy
Prevention of #Diabetic_Retinopathy can include several measures:
Control Blood Sugar Levels:
Maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range according to the doctor’s instructions. Proper control helps reduce the impact of sugar on the blood vessels in the eye.
Monitor Blood Pressure:
Maintaining blood pressure within the correct range reduces the risk of damage to the blood vessels in the eye and improves the overall health of the retina.
Healthy Nutrition:
Follow a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight and provide the necessary nutrients for eye health.
Physical Activity:
Regular physical activity helps improve blood sugar control and promotes general health.
Regular Eye Exams:
It is recommended for individuals with diabetes to visit an eye doctor regularly for eye exams and early detection of any changes in the retina.
Avoid Smoking:
Smoking increases the risks of developing retinopathy, so it is best to avoid it completely.
Control Cholesterol and Blood Fats:
Managing cholesterol and blood fat levels helps maintain the health of the blood vessels.
Avoid Stress and Strain:
Reducing stress and strain can play a role in maintaining eye health and preventing retinal problems.
Adhering to a healthy lifestyle and following medical guidance can have a positive impact on preventing diabetic retinopathy.