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Diabetic retinopathy, also known as diabetic eye disease, is caused by a complication of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2). Persistently high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina and can, if left untreated, cause blindness. The length of time you have had diabetes and how it is maintained are both important factors in the progression of this eye disease. Fortunately, there is much that can be done to monitor, slow and treat diabetic retinopathy. Checking blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol are very important factors, as is working with a diabetic retinopathy eye specialist to regularly evaluate your eyes and administer appropriate treatment.
The appearance of floating spots or bleeding from abnormal retinal blood vessels.
The floating spots no longer exist, the bleeding stops and the vision becomes clear.
Quite simply, if you have diabetes or are at risk (often called prediabetes) then you should use the services of a diabetes specialist ophthalmologist. Good management of the condition is key to maintaining optimal vision throughout your lifetime. Only with regular check-ups by an ophthalmologist experienced in the monitoring and treatment of diabetic retinopathy will you be able to undergo early intervention should further complications arise. While anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, there are additional factors that increase the likelihood or speed of its progression. These are:
In addition, the longer you have had diabetes, the greater your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. The complications of diabetic eye disease are many, and ophthalmologists specializing in diabetes are highly trained to spot the early symptoms during regular eye exams. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye that transduces light into electrical signals and transmits it through the optic nerve to the brain. To function effectively, the retina needs a steady source of oxygen-rich blood, which it receives through a network of tiny blood vessels. When blood sugar is uncontrolled for long periods of time, the network of blood vessels weakens and is destroyed. If left untreated, this can, in severe cases, lead to permanent loss of vision.
There are two stages of diabetic eye disease – early diabetic retinopathy and advanced diabetic retinopathy. In the early stage, you are unlikely to notice any obvious symptoms. However, anatomical changes occurring within the eye will be detected during a regular diabetic eye examination by your ophthalmologist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your eye doctor immediately:
There are several types of laser treatment. The first is called photocoagulation or focal laser therapy. It stops or reduces the leakage of blood vessels by sealing them with a laser burn. The second type is panretinal photocoagulation or scatter laser therapy. This uses a laser to shrink abnormal blood vessels, thus preventing them from leaking. This treatment is performed in multiple sessions. All laser treatments are generally done under local anesthesia and take about 30-40 minutes per session.
They are used to treat severe diabetic macular degeneration, a condition where the central part of the retina is destroyed. The injections, called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitors or anti-VEGF, help prevent the development of new, abnormal blood vessels and swelling in the retina.
Treatment is quick and usually painless. Initially it will be performed once a month until vision stabilizes. After that, they may become less frequent or stop altogether. In some cases, if VEGF therapy fails and does not work, steroid medications may be injected.
Known as vitreoretinal surgery, this is performed when a large amount of blood has leaked into the eye or if extensive scar tissue has or is likely to cause retinal detachment. It involves making a small incision and removing part of the vitreous from the eye. It is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, so it is painless and you will not know it is being performed.
Athens EyeCare clinic in the center of Athens is one of the most complete and contemporary technologically equipped Ophthalmology clinic in Greece
