Diabetic retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy
Fundus photograph showing diabetic retinopathy
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Floaters, blurry vision, dark areas of vision, difficulty perceiving colors
Complications	Blindness, retinal detachment
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long term
Types	Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Causes	Diabetes mellitus
Risks	Poor blood sugar control, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking
Diagnosis	Eye examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography
Differential diagnosis	Hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion
Prevention	Blood sugar control, blood pressure control, regular eye exams
Treatment	Laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF therapy, vitrectomy
Medication	Anti-VEGF drugs
Prognosis	Variable, can lead to vision loss if untreated
Frequency	Common in people with diabetes
Deaths	N/A

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the retina. It is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy NIE

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Over time, these high levels can cause damage to various parts of the body, including the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This damage is known as diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. However, as the condition progresses, it can lead to blindness. Symptoms can include:

• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Vision loss

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can occur as a result of high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use.

Treatment

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and the specific problems that need to be addressed. Options may include:

• Laser treatment
• Injection of medication into the eye
• Surgery

Prevention

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes well. This includes:

• Controlling your blood sugar levels
• Controlling your blood pressure
• Controlling your cholesterol levels
• Quitting smoking

See also

• Diabetes
• Retina
• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol