Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal problem that affects people with high blood sugar. If your blood sugar routinely reaches unhealthy levels, the blood vessels in your eyes may become damaged, abnormal blood vessels may grow and scar tissue may form and damage your retina and your eyesight. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in india
The longer you have diabetes and the less you regulate your blood sugar, the more likely you are to develop this condition. If you have diabetes, see an ophthalmologist for a full eye exam yearly. Finding and treating problems early may save your sight..
* What are the Symptoms ?
At first, you may not have symptoms or they may be mild. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Impaired color vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Vision loss
Protecting yourself against diabetes is the best way to avoid retinopathy. If you are already diabetic, regular eye exams, controlling your blood sugar, and blood pressure are essential to preventing this disease.
Diabetics need vision experts on their health care team. At Nagamani retina institute, our skilled retinal specialist partner with you to protect your vision.
Tests
Comprehensive Eye Exam : During your exam, your eye care professional dilates your eyes and evaluates your vision for several factors. If necessary, additional tests/procedures may be used to confirm your diagnosis.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) : This imaging technique provides cross-sectional views of your retina. This helps your physician see if there is any abnormal swelling in your retina.
Ultrasound Imaging : This safe, painless test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the inside of your eye. This helps your doctor identify retinal damage.
Treatments
Focal Laser Treatment : Also known as photocoagulation, focal laser treatment stops or slows blood flow from leaking inside the eye.
Scatter Laser Treatment : This treatment, also called panretinal photocoagulation, uses a laser to destroy damaged retina and scar tissue that could lead to vision loss. Laser surgeries work best if your condition is not advanced. These laser treatments are outpatient procedures and do not require general anesthesia.
Pharmacologic Therapies : Medications used directly in the eye have shown promise in treating some forms of the disease.
Vitrectomy : If your condition is severe, your surgeon may perform a vitrectomy. To perform this treatment, the surgeon makes small incisions in your eye, removes any abnormal blood or scar tissue and may administer laser treatment or medicine into the eye.
