_pdf.png)
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
​
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It can lead to vision problems and even blindness if not treated.
​
Who Is at Risk?
​
Anyone with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) can develop diabetic retinopathy. Your risk increases if you:
-
Have had diabetes for a long time
-
Have poorly controlled blood sugar
-
Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
-
Are pregnant
-
Smoke
​
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
​
-
Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Small areas of swelling in blood vessels.
-
Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Blood vessels become more damaged and may leak.
-
Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: More blood vessels are blocked, reducing blood flow to the retina.
-
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: New, abnormal blood vessels grow, which can bleed or form scar tissue, leading to serious vision problems.
​
Symptoms
​
Early stages often have no symptoms. As it progresses, you might notice:
-
Blurry vision
-
Spots or floaters
-
Dark or empty areas in your vision
-
Difficulty seeing at night
-
Sudden vision loss (in advanced cases)
​
Diagnosis
​
Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, including:
-
Dilated eye exam (to check retina and blood vessels)
-
Fluorescein angiography (to see blood flow)
-
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) (to detect swelling)
​
Treatment
​
Treatment depends on the stage and severity:
-
Early stages: Better blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control
-
Advanced stages:
-
Laser therapy (photocoagulation) to seal leaking blood vessels
-
Injections (like anti-VEGF medication) to reduce swelling
-
Vitrectomy surgery to remove blood or scar tissue in the eye
-
​
-
Prevention and Eye Health Tips
-
Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
-
Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year
-
Quit smoking
-
Exercise regularly
-
Follow your diabetes care plan