Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy: Protect Your Vision from Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease caused by damage to the pancreas, which stops producing the amount of insulin necessary for the body. The danger of sugar disease is that it leads to the development of a large number of acute and chronic diseases. For example, diabetes provokes the development of such a serious pathology as diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a specific disease in which the retinal vessels are damaged, leading to their increased permeability. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness and low vision among the working population of economically developed countries.

Here is what the statistics of this eye disease look like depending on the stage of diabetes:

• Among people who have had diabetes for 2 years, diabetic retinopathy is detected in 15%;
• among those sick for 5 years – 20%;
• in patients suffering from diabetes for 15 years – in 80% of cases;
• in patients with 20 years of experience – in 96% of cases.

 

The mechanism of development of diabetic retinopathy

 

The development of diabetic retinopathy is not influenced by diabetes as such, but by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and strong fluctuations in this indicator.

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in patients with both type I and type II of the disease. Moreover, in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, retinal damage occurs twice as often.

The eye pathology itself develops slowly – over 7-10 years, so it is necessary to identify the disease and begin treatment as early as possible.

 

Causes of diabetic retinopathy

 

The occurrence of this disease is associated with increased permeability and damage to the blood vessels of the retina, blockage of capillaries, growth of new (abnormal) vessels and, as a consequence, the occurrence of scar (proliferative) tissue. One or both eyes may be affected (to varying degrees).

The main risk factors that influence the rate of development of the disease include the following factors:

• high blood sugar;
• arterial hypertension ;
• genetic predisposition;
• long-term diabetes;
• chronic renal failure ;
• the patient is overweight;
• metabolic syndrome;
• smoking, etc

 

Classification of diabetic retinopathy

 

The following stages of diabetic retinopathy are distinguished: non-proliferative , pre proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy .

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the initial manifestation of the pathology. The vessels of the retina begin to expand, then thicken, their walls become permeable to the liquid part of the blood with dissolved proteins and fats.

Fluid accumulation leads to swelling and hardening of the retina. In diabetes (especially type II), swelling of the centre of the retina (macula) , responsible for clear object vision, often occurs. Due to insufficient blood supply, retinal cells begin to die. Damage to blood vessels leads to haemorrhages.

Preproliferative diabetic retinopathy is a further development of the disease. The damage to the retina increases, whole foci with dead cells appear (foci of soft exudates). And if treatment is not started at this stage, retinal detachment will follow , leading to a sharp deterioration in vision.

Prolifrative diabetic retinopathy . Reduced blood supply and destruction of retinal vessels lead to the body starting to produce new pathological vessels in different parts of the retina, including in the visual spot area. These vessels have very fragile walls, which provokes the appearance of new haemorrhages. Fibrous tissue and scars appear on the affected retina, and cords arise. This leads to retinal detachment and blindness.

 

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

 

The insidiousness of diabetic retinopathy is that the disease occurs without obvious symptoms.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following signs of eye pathology:

• the appearance of a veil;
• image blur;
• the appearance of “flies” before the eyes;
• decreased visual acuity.

 

Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy

 

To detect early changes in the retina, each patient suffering from diabetic retinopathy should undergo regular examination by an ophthalmologist . This will help prevent the development of the proliferative form of the disease.

The following diagnostic methods are used to identify pathology :

• eye perimetry ;
• visometry ;
• biomicroscopy ;
• tonometry ;
• ophthalmoscopy ;
• examination of the fundus using a fundus camera;
• Ultrasound of the eye ;
• electrophysiological studies;
• fluorescein angiography ;
• laser scanning tomography of the retina .

 

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy

 

Self-medication is unacceptable! Only an ophthalmologist can assess the nature and stage of the disease and, taking into account age, concomitant pathology, and overall health, select the necessary treatment methods for the patient.

At the initial stage of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out, which includes the prescription of drugs that normalise blood sugar levels, drugs that stabilise blood pressure, and angioprotectors. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to a proper diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.

When diabetic retinopathy progresses to the proliferative stage, surgical intervention can be used: laser coagulation of retinal edema and vascular neoplasms. Vitrectomy is performed to remove a blood clot in the vitreous body.

Conclusion

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to significant vision loss if not detected and treated early. Regular eye examinations, proper management of blood sugar levels, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial in preventing the progression of this disease. For those seeking comprehensive care, the best eye care hospital in Indore offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care for maintaining their vision health. Prioritise your eye health and consult with specialists to protect your sight from the impacts of diabetes.