Have High Blood Sugar?
And Experiencing Blurry Vision?
It Could Be A Sign Of
Diabetic Retinopathy
A Silent Complication
Of Diabetes That Can
Affect Your Eyesight
Don't Worry
We Have A Solution
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss in advanced stages
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar levels over time can weaken and damage the retinal blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, or abnormal vessel growth.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) – Early stage marked by microaneurysms and retinal swelling.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) – Advanced stage where abnormal blood vessels grow, increasing the risk of bleeding and retinal detachment.
Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Factors
- Long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Kidney disease
Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Maintain blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
- Quit smoking
- Have regular comprehensive dilated eye exams
- Lead a healthy lifestyle and follow diabetes care guidelines
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Mild NPDR
- Moderate NPDR
- Severe NPDR
- PDR (Proliferative stage)
Each stage indicates worsening damage to the retina, with vision increasingly at risk in the later stages.
Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
The condition is diagnosed through a detailed dilated eye exam - fundus photography, retinal imaging (like OCT), or fluorescein angiography to assess blood vessel changes.
Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
- Early stages: Monitoring and controlling diabetes
- Advanced stages:
- Laser Photocoagulation to seal leaking vessels
- Anti-VEGF Injections to reduce abnormal vessel growth
- Vitrectomy Surgery in severe cases with retinal bleeding or detachment
Early detection is key. Regular eye check-ups can help prevent vision loss. Book a consultation today to protect your vision from diabetic damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. Is diabetic retinopathy reversible?
Early stages can be managed and progression slowed with good diabetes control. However, once retinal damage occurs, it cannot be fully reversed, but timely treatment can protect your vision.
2. How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
It’s detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam - fundus photography often supported by tests like OCT or fluorescein angiography to check for retinal changes or leaking vessels.
3. What types of Anti-VEGF injections are used in diabetic eye treatment?
Common Anti-VEGF drugs include Ranibizumab ( commercial names in India Accentrix, Ranizurel, Ranieyes, Razumab), Aflibercept (commercial name Eylea), and Bevacizumab (commercial name Avastin) , Brolucizumab ( commercial name Pagenex) all help reduce abnormal vessel growth, swelling in the eye and fluid in diabetic retinal conditions.
4. Why are OCT and fundus photography important in diabetic eye care?
They help detect early retinal changes, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment decisions accurately.
5. What are the early signs of diabetic retinopathy?
Mild blurriness, floaters, or difficulty seeing at night are common early symptoms. Often, there may be no signs at all until the condition worsens.
6. How can I lower my risk of diabetic retinopathy?
Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Regular eye check-ups and a healthy lifestyle play a key role in prevention.
7. Which foods support eye health in diabetes?
Leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, fish rich in omega-3, and nuts can support retinal health. A balanced diet helps manage diabetes and reduce eye damage.
8. Why are Anti-VEGF injections are used in treatment of diabetic eye disease?
Anti-VEGF injections help reduce abnormal vessel growth, swelling and fluid on the macula which is the main seeing area of the retina in diabetic retinal conditions, thus improving vision and reducing chances of bleeding
9. What is use of Lasers in Diabetic eye disease?
Pan Retinal Photocoaugulation (PRP) laser is used to decrease bleeding chances (Vitreous Haemorrhage) and reduce long term complications of diabetic eye disease. It stabilises and halts progression of the disease and is important in maintaining good vision in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.
Focal Laser is used to decrease swelling on the macula, the main seeing area of the retina.