Diabetes does not come alone. It brings with itself a package of diseases. Diabetic retinopathy is one of them. It is an eye ailment that diabetic patients develop when their high blood sugar levels damage the tiny delicate blood vessels in their retina.
This eye disease is progressive, and may lead to blurred vision initially or even irreversible vision loss if not treated. That makes regular eye examinations essential for diabetic patients, because by the time you experience any noticeable symptoms, vision loss may have already occurred. The sooner this vision-threatening condition is diagnosed, the earlier you can take measures to slow down its progression.
What are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy essentially progresses in four stages. While the initial stages are nonproliferative, the advanced form is proliferative.
Stage 1: Mild Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
This is the earliest stage of the disease. In this stage, tiny swellings or bulges come up in the blood vessels of the retina. These swollen areas are referred to as microaneurysms.
These tiny structures can make small quantities of fluid to leak into the retina. When it happens, the macula – the part at the back of the retina, can also become swollen.
However, you do not experience any clear symptoms to be able to understand and identify the problem.
Stage 2: Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
At this stage, there is more swelling in the tiny blood vessels. This development blocks blood flow to the retina and prevents proper nourishment. You may experience noticeable signs, such as blurry vision, in this stage. These symptoms occur when blood and other fluids build-up in the macula.
Stage 3: Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
This stage arrives when a bigger proportion of blood vessels in the retina get blocked. With this, the blood flow to the retina significantly reduces. At this point, the lack of blood sends a signal to the body to grow new blood vessels in the retina.
These new blood vessels are so thin and delicate that they cause swelling in the retina. This retinal swelling results in noticeable blurred vision and dark spots. You may also experience patches of vision loss. If the new and fragile blood vessels leak into the macula, you may also notice sudden and permanent vision loss. If you have reached this stage, there is a high likelihood of irreversible vision loss.
Stage 4: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
It is the most advanced stage of the diabetic retinopathy. In this, new blood vessels keep growing in the retina. Being thin and weak, they are prone to bleeding, which leads to the formation of scar tissue inside the eye. This scar tissue can tear the retina away from the back of your eye, leading to retinal detachment. A detached retina often results in blurry vision, reduced visual field, and even permanent blindness.
What Are Common Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
During its first two stages, diabetic retinopathy does not usually cause any obvious symptoms, so it is possible that you have it but don’t even know it.
An unfortunate fact is that a lot of individuals do not observe any symptoms till the disease has already progressed to the advanced – proliferative diabetic retinopathy stage.
However, if you go for regular eye exams, your eye doctor will be able to detect the disease in its beginning stages. In other words, comprehensive eye tests will help identify the disease before symptoms come to your notice, and before you suffer irreversible damage to vision.
Following are the symptoms of stage 4 or proliferative diabetic retinopathy:
- Blurred vision
- Reduction in the field of vision
- Distorted vision
- Change in colours & hues
- Increased eye floaters
- Poor vision at night
- Loss of vision
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Although diabetic retinopathy may cause permanent vision loss, keeping your blood sugar levels within permissible limits can help you save vision. The way to do it is by taking a proper diet, being more physically active, and religiously taking diabetes medicines as per your doctor’s instructions. And yes, the importance of regular eye exams cannot be overemphasised.
Other treatments for the condition depend on its stage. If it is detected very early, i.e., before the retina suffers much damage, proper blood sugar management should help.
If the disease has progressed to the nonproliferative stage and there has been some damage to the eye, following are the treatment options:
| Treatment | Detail |
| Eye injections | A steroid injection is given in the eye. It stops inflammation and prevents the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. Your eye specialist may also consider Anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling in the macula and improve your vision. |
| Laser surgery | Laser surgery referred to as photocoagulation helps reduce swelling in the retina and eliminates abnormal blood vessels. |
| Vitrectomy | Vitrectomy may be needed in the later stages of diabetic retinopathy. This eye procedure treats issues in the retina and vitreous (a jelly-like substance present in the middle of the eye). Vitrectomy can remove blood or fluid, scar tissue, and some of the vitreous gel to allow light rays to focus properly on the retina.Retinal detachment can be treated by vitrectomy too. |
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially vision-threatening eye disease that can cause permanent distorted vision or even vision loss. From early detection, to managing diabetes, and getting regular eye checks – you can save your vision for the years to come.
Looking for the best eye hospital in Punjab? Consider visiting Sohana Hospital – ranked as North India’s leading eye-care hospital. Schedule your eye examination today & don’t let diabetic retinopathy hamper your vision!
