Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading cause of blindness in adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
What happens in Diabetic Retinopathy?
Blood vessels damaged from diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways: • Fragile, abnormal blood vessels can develop and leak blood into the center of the eye, blurring vision. This is proliferative retinopathy and is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease. • Fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called macular edema. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. About half of the people with proliferative retinopathy also have macular edema.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?
Symptoms of diabetic Retinopathy, if you have diabetic Retinopathy you may observe
Cloudy or blurry vision
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It can be caused by age, injury, or disease.
Floaters, Spots, or Strings
Spots in your eyesight are known as eye floaters. They may appear to you as threads, cobwebs, or black or gray flecks.
Fluctuating Vision
The term "fluctuating vision" describes recurring shifts in visual sharpness. A patient may experience intermittent blurred vision or any other type of abnormal vision.
Poor night vision
A person with poor night vision may not be able to see clearly at night. This can make it difficult to navigate in the dark, and can also lead to accidents.
Seeing faded colors
There can be a few reasons why faded colors might be present. One possibility is that the fabric has been exposed to sunlight or other elements that can cause it to fade.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few commonly asked questions about Diabetic Retinopathy, these question will help you to understand better about the Diabetic Retinopathy .
Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy development?
All people with diabetes–both type 1 and type 2–are at risk. That’s why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy.
what are the stages of diabetic retinopathy?
• Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy
• Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy
• Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
How does diabetic retinopathy cause vision loss?
Blood vessels damaged from diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways:
• Fragile, abnormal blood vessels can develop and leak blood into the center of the eye, blurring vision. This is proliferative retinopathy and is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease.
• Fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called macular edema. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. About half of the people with proliferative retinopathy also have macular edema
how are diabetic retinopathy and macular edema detected?
Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema are detected during a comprehensive eye exam
that includes:
• Visual acuity test
• Dilated eye exam Your doctor checks your retina for early signs of the disease,
including:
• Leaking blood vessels.
• Retinal swelling (macular edema).
• Pale, fatty deposits on the retina–signs of leaking blood vessels.
• Damaged nerve tissue.
• Any changes to the blood vessels. If your doctor believes you need treatment for macular edema, he or she may suggest a fluorescein angiogram. The test allows your doctor to identify any leaking blood vessels and recommend treatment.
