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Living with diabetes means you have to be mindful of many more things than just your blood sugar. Over time, diabetes can lead to other complications, including damage to the eyes. In many people, diabetic eye health issues often go unnoticed until vision changes become severe. Among these complications, diabetic retinopathy is a serious concern that often comes up.
The condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. In most diabetics, it leads to blurred vision, and in many cases, it is the leading cause of blindness. Vision loss in diabetes is preventable with timely care and regular eye checkups. In this blog, we aim to raise diabetic retinopathy awareness and help you take proactive steps to protect your sight.
Synopsis
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that is a complication caused by diabetes. It can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Continuous high blood sugar levels or even fluctuating sugar levels in diabetics damage the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage weakens the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which causes them to swell, leak fluid, or even bleed. If left untreated, it can result in partial or complete vision loss in diabetes patients.
The condition progresses gradually if corrective measures are not taken. Each stage is more severe than the previous one. Recognising these stages and seeking timely care can slow diabetic retinopathy progression and prevent long-term vision loss in diabetes.
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4 Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy |
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy |
Mild NPDR (Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy) |
Small areas of balloon-like swelling occur in retinal blood vessels. |
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Moderate NPDR |
Some blood vessels become blocked, affecting blood flow to the retina. |
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Severe NPDR |
More blood vessels are blocked, and the retina becomes deprived of oxygen. |
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Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy |
Proliferative DR |
The most advanced stage, where new and abnormal blood vessels grow. These may be delicate and often bleed, and can lead to vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, and blindness. |
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Special Components Of Diabetic Eye Disease |
Diabetic Maculopathy |
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A specific form of Diabetic Retinopathy where there is fluid buildup or collection at the macula (the central most sensitive part of the retina), which causes an early drop in vision. |
3 Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Most patients notice no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in the early stages. But as the condition worsens, three key warning signs may appear. These early signs of eye damage should not be overlooked.
1. Blurry Vision
Sudden or persistent blurry vision, diabetes is often the first noticeable sign.
2. Floaters and Dark Spots
You might see floaters, which are small dust-like filaments or spots that move in your field of vision. You might also have dark spots in your vision.
3. Partial or Total Vision Loss
In advanced stages, vision may become patchy or disappear completely.
Even minor vision changes can signal trouble. Early detection is vital to prevent permanent damage or blindness.
Risk Factors and Who Is at Risk?
So, who gets diabetic retinopathy? Usually, it’s people who miss regular eye checkups or fail to manage their health as advised by their doctor. Regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of developing this condition. However, anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetes complications like retinopathy. Understanding the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy is crucial for early detection and effective care.
People most at risk include:
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Those with long-term diabetes
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Individuals with poor blood sugar control
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Patients with associated high blood pressure or high cholesterol
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Pregnant women with diabetes
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Smokers
Preventive Eye Care for Diabetics
When you have diabetes, taking steps early is the best way to protect your vision. One of the most important diabetic eye care tips is to schedule periodic eye checkups, including dilatation. Getting at least a yearly eye exam for diabetics, even if you have no symptoms, can help catch it before it gets worse.
To understand how to prevent diabetic retinopathy, there is more you can do:
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Blood sugar control: Keep your glucose levels within the target range. Stick to the diet suggested by your doctor and regularly monitor your glucose levels.
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Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: These increase your risk if left unchecked. Hence, have them also under check through regular visits to your doctor.
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Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. A healthy lifestyle can make all the difference in reducing risks.
Read our blog for more: Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Diet and Exercise
Diagnosis and Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
Early diabetic eye screening plays a vital role in preventing serious vision loss. Since symptoms may not appear in the early stages, regular check-ups are the only way to detect the condition before it worsens.
On how diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, several tools and tests are used. Each retina scan diabetes test helps assess how much damage has occurred and what stage the disease is in:
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Dilated eye exam: For this test, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil, allowing the doctor to check for signs of damage. In the exam, they can directly view the retina and optic nerve more clearly to spot swelling, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessels.
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging test provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the retina. It helps detect fluid buildup, swelling, or thinning of retinal layers, which are signs often missed in a standard exam. This is very useful in the diagnosis and management of Diabetic Maculopathy.
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Fluorescein Angiography: In this procedure, a special dye is injected into a vein in the arm, which enters circulation. Then, a camera tracks the dye as it flows through the blood vessels in the eye. The test is used to check for any blood vessels that are leaking, blocked, or growing abnormally.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage and severity of the condition. While early stages may only need stricter control of systemic risk factors like sugar levels, BP, abnormal lipid profile, renal disease, etc, in addition to regular close follow-up, advanced cases require active intervention to prevent vision loss in diabetes patients.
Common treatment options include:
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Laser Therapy (photocoagulation): This laser eye treatment for diabetes works by sealing the leaking blood vessels or shrinking the abnormal ones. The procedure helps prevent further damage and bleeding, thereby stabilizing the retina.
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Anti-VEGF injections: These medicines are injected directly into the eye to block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce swelling. They are often used in cases of macular oedema.
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Vitrectomy: In severe cases where there is significant bleeding or scar tissue, a vitrectomy is performed to remove the vitreous gel and restore clearer vision.
Ongoing monitoring is necessary. Even after treatment, anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy may be needed again. At Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, an experienced ophthalmologist will oversee your progress, ensuring that any recurrence is caught early and managed effectively.
Living with Diabetic Retinopathy
Living with diabetic retinopathy requires consistent care and support. Here’s how to manage day-to-day life:
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Managing diabetic retinopathy begins with strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
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Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress and prevent complications.
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Use correct prescription glasses as indicated to ensure the best possible vision for the patient.
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Utilise magnifiers, good lighting, and visual aids to manage living with vision problems.
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Join diabetic eye disease support groups for emotional encouragement and shared tips.
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Stay informed through eye care education to understand your condition and the treatment options available to you.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy prevention involves regular screening, managing blood sugar levels, and responding early to symptoms. The sudden onset of blurry vision, floaters, or dark spots should never be ignored when you have diabetes.
At the Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, we’re committed to helping you protect your vision from diabetes. Our team offers advanced diagnostic tools and personalised care for every stage of diabetic eye disease. An experienced ophthalmologist guides your care, ensuring early detection and effective treatment.
Don’t wait for symptoms of vision loss in diabetes patients. Schedule your annual eye exam today
FAQ's
The damage due to diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed. However, it’s crucial to maintain tight control over blood glucose levels and make lifestyle changes to reduce further damage. This is especially true if it is detected in the early stages.
It’s best to get an eye exam for diabetics at least once a year. More frequent exams may be necessary if retinopathy is detected or if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, as determined by your ophthalmologist.
Yes, retinopathy in its early stages often shows no symptoms. The onset of retinopathy symptoms, such as blurred vision, floaters, and dark spots in the vision, can indicate the onset of the condition.
To prevent diabetic retinopathy from worsening, keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. Schedule regular diabetic eye screenings, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Yes. Modern retina scan tools, like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), can detect microscopic changes in the retina long before symptoms of vision loss in diabetes patients appear. There are also AI-based tools that help in early screening for Diabetic Retinopathy.
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