Diabetic Retinopathy

This is a complication of Diabetes which affects the back portion of the Eye called as Retina. Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the Retina which leads to this condition.

With 80 Million People having Diabetes in India, one out of four of these patients is prone to develop this condition. Most of the patients do not have symptoms due to Retinopathy and regular eye screening is the only way to identify this condition, which if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage can even lead to blindness.

The Longer someone has Diabetes or more uncontrolled the blood sugar levels, the more likely that the they are prone to develop this condition.

Symptoms

Initially there will be no Symptoms due to Retinopathy, as the condition progresses patients may develop blurred vision, black spots in vision (Floaters), dark or empty areas in vision, fluctuating vision and finally partial or total loss of vision.

How to prevent from Developing Vision Loss due to Diabetic Retinopathy?

If you are a newly detected Diabetic or a Diabetic patient on treatment, it’s mandatory to have your Eyes checked for Diabetic Retinopathy atleast once a year. The Retinal Screening can be done by either visiting an Ophthalmologist directly or by asking your Physician to take your Retinal Images and then getting the opinion from the Ophthalmologist (Telescreening)

Causes for Diabetic Retinopathy

High levels of Blood sugar can lead to blockage of small blood vessels in the Retina. Due to the blockage the nourishment to the Retina is cut off and the Retina grows new blood vessels which leak easily and this causes the symptoms of Retinopathy.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

Early Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the more common type with milder symptoms and there are no new blood vessels proliferating in the Retina. When identified at this stage it’s possible to control the complication from further progressing and vision of the patient saved.

Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the advanced stage of Retinopathy in which new blood vessels proliferate in the Retina. The new blood vessels are fragile and they easily break and leak inside the eye. Even scar tissue can be developed and this condition can lead to permanent loss of vision.

To Get your Eyes Screened and Save yourself from Diabetic Retinopathy Complications, Get your Retinas Screened atleast once a year.