Diabetic Retinopathy

Stages :

There are 2 stages of DR

• NPDR (Non proliferative DR): Early stage of diabetic eye disease. Fluid accumulates in the macula owing to leakage from tiny blood vessels leading to swelling of the macula ( macular edema ). This leads to blurred / distortion of vision.
• PDR (Proliferative DR): Advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. At this stage new abnormal vessels grow in the retina and into the vitreous. This vessels are leaky and can lead to bleeding ( vitreous haemorrhage ), which appears as floaters. These  new vessels can also form scar tissue, which at times can contract leading to tractional retinal detachment.

Symptoms may include

• Blurred or loss of vision.
• Spots or floaters in the vision.
• Having a dark spot in the center of the sight.
• Low vision at night

Causes

Diabetes damages tiny blood vessels and causes vision difficulties which are known as Diabetic Retinopathy. These damaged blood vessels can cause loss of vision.

Treatment

Treatment is usually tailored depending on the condition of the eye and it consists of either

• Injections into the eye ( Anti VEGF / Steroid)
• Laser treatment
• Surgery (vitrectomy)

 Along with this, one should follow:

• The Prescribed Medication.
• Healthy Diet.
• Daily Exercise.
• Controlling the high blood pressure.
• Limited alcohol consumption and smoking.