|
Definition
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina. These blood vessels have thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood, severe vision loss and even blindness can result. There are four stages in diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative (mild, moderate and severe), and proliferative retinopathy. Causes
Over the years high sugar level can damage the tiny blood vessels in or on the retina. The longer an individual has had diabetes, the risks of diabetic retinopathy increases. There are three basic components of this damaging process:
- the blood vessels may begin to leak
- they can make a special growth substance that makes small fragile vessels grow
- the vessels may eventually become blocked.  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Effect on Vision
Diabetic retinopathy can cause varying degrees of vision impairment. Mild retinopathy can cause symptoms of poor contrast, mild blurry vision, and sometimes has little or no effect visible to the individual. Advanced proliferative retinopathy may cause severe blurring, blank areas of vision, and could lead to retinal detachment and total blindness. Treatments
During the earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy, no treatment is needed, swelling occurs in the macular area. Preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy revolves around the afflicted individual controlling their levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol. Proliferative retinopathy is treated with laser surgery. This procedure is called retinal photocoagulation. The laser treatment helps to shrink abnormal blood vessels. The doctor places 1,000 to 2,000 laser burns in the retina in specific locations to lower the demand of the retina for more blood supply. Although the patient may notice some loss of side vision, laser treatment can save the remaining central vision. Links
Images Source: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
|
