Introduction
How is DIABETES related to BLINDNESS?
1
Glucose level increased in blood
2
Changes of blood vessels in the retina causing them to bleed or leak
3
Untreated bleeding
4
BLIND!
Usually, no symptoms occured in the early stages. No pain and vision may not be affected until the disease becomes severe or advanced. Patients may experience blurred and fluctuating vision, and sudden onset of dark spots floating inside the eyes.
Even in more advanced cases, the disease may progress a long way without symptoms.
This asymptomatic progression is why regular eye examinations are compulsory and important.
Diabetes mellitus can cause multiple eye diseases such as:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular oedema (DME)
- Cataract – 60% more likely to develop an early cataract*
- Glaucoma – 40% more likely to develop glaucoma as compared to non-diabetics*
! All these conditions have the potential to cause severe loss of vision and blindness.
In IKONIK, we offer treatments for diabetes-related eye diseases which are:
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may vary depending on the stage and severity of the condition. In the initial stages, diabetic retinopathy may not manifest noticeable symptoms. Nonetheless, as the condition advances, the following symptoms may emerge:
Blurred or distorted vision:
You may experience blurred vision, making it difficult to see fine details. Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted.
Floaters:
You may notice the presence of floaters, which are dark spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes that float across your visual field. These floaters are caused by bleeding or the presence of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
Fluctuating vision:
Your vision may fluctuate, with periods of clearer vision followed by periods of decreased clarity.
Impaired color vision:
You may have difficulty perceiving colors as vividly or accurately as before. Colors may appear washed out or less vibrant.
Dark or empty areas in vision:
You may experience dark or empty areas in your visual field. This occurs when diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the retinal tissue or if the blood vessels bleed, leading to blockage of the light entering the eye.
Vision loss:
In the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may experience significant vision loss or blindness. This can occur if the retina becomes detached or if severe bleeding or scarring affects the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision (macula).
It is important to note that some individuals with diabetic retinopathy may not experience any symptoms until the condition reaches an advanced stage. Regular eye examinations are essential for the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, especially for individuals with diabetes or those at higher risk. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to have comprehensive eye exams at least once a year or as advised by your eye care professional.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR):
In the initial phases of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina weaken and form small bulges known as microaneurysms. As the condition progresses, the walls of the blood vessels may leak blood or fluid, leading to the formation of deposits called exudates. The retina may also experience reduced blood supply, resulting in the growth of new, weak blood vessels.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR):
In this advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, the weak blood vessels in the retina trigger the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can leak blood into the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. The bleeding can cause floaters, spots, or cloudiness in the vision. Furthermore, abnormal blood vessels can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye, resulting in severe vision loss.
Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy
Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. These risk factors include:
Duration of diabetes:
The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Over time, chronically elevated blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina.
Poor blood sugar control:
Consistently high blood sugar levels can contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range recommended by your healthcare provider is crucial in minimizing the risk.
High blood pressure:
Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) can further damage the blood vessels in the retina. People with diabetes and high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and experiencing its progression.
High cholesterol levels:
Elevated levels of cholesterol, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, can increase the risk and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Proper management of cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication can help mitigate this risk.
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women with diabetes, particularly those with poor blood sugar control, are at higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This condition, known as gestational diabetes, requires careful monitoring and management to reduce the risk of complications.
Smoking:
Smoking increases the risk of various complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy. Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which can exacerbate the damage caused by diabetes on the retinal blood vessels.
Genetic factors:
There may be a genetic predisposition to developing diabetic retinopathy. Some individuals may be more susceptible to the condition due to their genetic makeup.
It’s important to note that while these risk factors increase the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy, they do not guarantee its occurrence. Additionally, some individuals without these risk factors may still develop the condition. Regular eye examinations, as recommended by your healthcare provider, are crucial for early detection and appropriate management of diabetic retinopathy. By effectively managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular eye care, you can reduce your risk of developing or experiencing severe complications from diabetic retinopathy.
Screen & Examine Your Eyes!
Diabetic eye screening, also known as diabetic retinopathy screening or diabetic retinal screening, is a specialized eye examination specifically designed to detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes. The screening aims to identify the condition in its early stages when treatment options are most effective, helping to prevent or minimize vision loss.
The screening process typically involves the following:
Dilated eye examination: During the screening, your eyes will be dilated using eye drops to widen the pupils. This allows the healthcare professional to examine the retina at the back of the eye more thoroughly.
Visual acuity test: Your visual acuity, or sharpness of vision, may be assessed using an eye chart to determine any changes in your vision.
Fundus examination: The healthcare professional will use specialized instruments, such as a slit lamp microscope or an ophthalmoscope, to examine the inside of your eye. They will assess the retina, blood vessels, optic nerve, and other structures to identify any signs of diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions.
Retinal imaging: Digital retinal photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be performed to capture detailed images of the retina. These images provide a more comprehensive view of the retina and can be useful for detecting and monitoring changes associated with diabetic retinopathy.
The frequency of diabetic eye screening depends on various factors, including the type of diabetes, the duration of the disease, and the presence or severity of diabetic retinopathy. In general, individuals with diabetes are recommended to undergo diabetic eye screening at least once a year. However, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings if you have existing retinopathy or other risk factors.
It’s important to attend diabetic eye screening appointments as advised by your healthcare provider, even if you have no noticeable vision problems. Early detection and timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and complications associated with diabetic retinopathy. If diabetic retinopathy is detected, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment and management plan based on the severity of the condition.
In IKONIK, we offer treatments for diabetic eye diseases which are…
Intravitreal injections:
For advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, particularly proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular edema (DME), intravitreal injections may be prescribed. These injections deliver medications, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents or steroids, directly into the vitreous gel of the eye. These medications help reduce swelling and control the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Laser photocoagulation:
Laser treatment, known as laser photocoagulation, is commonly used to treat specific types of diabetic retinopathy. The laser creates small burns on the retina, sealing leaking blood vessels and reducing the growth of abnormal vessels. This treatment is typically used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
Vitrectomy:
In cases where there is significant bleeding or scar tissue formation causing severe vision loss, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be performed. Vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a clear saline solution or gas or silicone oil. This helps to improve vision by removing blood and scar tissue from the eye.
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