DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic Retinopathy – An overview of presentation and management of complications of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetes can affect any part of the body since it affects the blood vessels basically.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Due to diabetic complications eye can be affected especially the retina which is like the screen where image falls. Major and minor blood vessels leak blood and its components into the various layers of retina and lead to impairement of vision.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Depending on the severity of the problem in the eye it can be graded as Mild Moderated Severe (Non Proliferative) and Advanced (Proliferative).

 Defective vision, Floaters,Painful loss of eye movements,frequent swellings in eyelids can be experienced.

Who should get checked?

All recently diagnosed type 2 Diabetics should undergo one checkup upon diagnosis and yearly thereafter and frequency of visits will be decided by doctor who examines the patient.

All type 1 Diabetics can undergo checkup atleast once a year starting 3 to 5 years after diagnosis.

What tests will doctor do for your eyes?

As the patient enters the clinic first his vision followed by IntraOcular Pressure recording and then Clinical examination by doctor who will then put dilating drops to see the retina. After dilation retina will be checked and Fundus photo would be taken to serially monitor the condition.

Any further investigations are needed?

If there are significant changes in retina due to diabetes doctor would advise another test called OCT which will scan the retina and help in appropriate treatment.

Is there any invasive test for retinal screening?

Yes there is a test called Fundus Fluorescein angiography which may be done only in specified cases.

What are the stages of Diabetic retinopathy?

• Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy- Mild Moderate Severe
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
• Diabetic Macular edema

What are the treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Depending on the stage of Diabetic retinopathy treatment varies

Lasers and Intravitreal injections are the mainstay of treatment

Is there surgical options for diabetic retinopathy management?

If retinopathy advances with traction and vitreous bleeding surgery will be needed. The surgery is called Vitrectomy.

What is laser treatment in diabetic retinopathy?

• Pan retinal photocoagulation is a laser for Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It is an OPD procedure but 2-3 sittings may be needed to complete both eyes
• Focal laser can be done for macular edema

Is the laser procedure painful?

Procedure is done under topical anaesthesia by putting eyedrops to numb your eyes and laser is given. It may cause some discomfort but not painful.

What is Intravitreal Injection treatment in diabetic retinopathy?

This procedure is done in Operation theatre and it is a day care procedure. It is done under Topical anaesthesia. Medication is injected in vitreous cavity . Procedure will be repeated every 4-6 weeks till regression occurs.

Conclusion

Access to diabetic care has grown now, and patients should not miss checkups as advised by the doctor, even if they don’t have eye symptoms.