Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And More

Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes can result in various serious complications. One such complication is diabetic retinopathy. It is a condition that can affect the eyes leading to vision distortion or vision loss. It is caused due to blockage in the blood vessels by spiked sugar levels. As an attempt to balance the blood flow, the eyes try to form new blood vessels, however, these new vessels are not developed fully and can leak easily leading to vision loss and other complications. 

Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy

The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in the early stages may be difficult to spot, but as the condition progresses, following symptoms can be seen: 

• Eye floaters (spots or dark strings floating in your vision]
• Blurry vision
• Impaired colour vision
• Sudden and total vision loss 
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty seeing or reading distant objects

Diabetic Retinopathy Classification

There are two major types of diabetic retinopathy namely early diabetic retinopathy and advanced diabetic retinopathy. 

Early Diabetic Retinopathy (EDR): It is also known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). In EDR, new blood vessels don’t grow, but the walls of the existing vessels in the retina weaken leading to leaking fluids and blood into the eyes. It can also cause other complications such as macular edema that requires prompt treatment. 

Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: This is a more severe type of diabetic retinopathy. In this type, the damaged blood vessels are completely blocked which leads to the growth of new, weak and abnormal blood vessels in the retina that can leak blood into the eyes easily. Advanced diabetic retinopathy must be treated as soon as detected.

Risk Factors Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy 

Factors that increase the risks of a diabetes patient developing diabetic retinopathy include the duration of diabetes, poorly managed blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, pregnancy, tobacco use and race (African-American, Hispanic or Native American are at higher risks).

Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. Early diabetic retinopathy with mild symptoms may not need any major treatments right away. However, it is crucial to keep observing the condition and its progression. 

Advanced diabetic retinopathy can be treated using the below-mentioned methods: 

Photocoagulation: Also known as focal laser treatment, photocoagulation can stop or slow down the leakage of blood and other bodily fluids into the eyes. The procedure uses laser burners to block the leak from the abnormal blood vessels. The procedure needs to be performed by a qualified medical professional and is usually done in a single session. The treatment may not bring the normal vision back for those who suffered from macular edema before the treatment, but can reduce the chances of the condition worsening significantly. 

Panretinal Photocoagulation: This is another laster treatment that is also referred to as scatter laser treatment. This is generally used to shrink the new abnormal blood vessels that pose the risk of breaking and leaking blood into the eyes. During the procedure, the scattered leaser burns shrink the abnormal blood vessels and treat the macula that’s away from the retina.

The procedure generally requires two or more sessions. It takes a couple of days for the vision to get back to normal. After the procedure, the patient may experience some loss of peripheral vision or night vision.

Vitrectomy: This treatment measure uses small incisions in the eyes to remove blood from the middle of the eyes or the vitreous, along with the scar tissues in the retina. 

Eye Medications: Injecting certain medications in the eyes is another treatment method for managing diabetic retinopathy. The medications that are used in the injections are called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. They are formulated to help stop the growth of the blood vessels, by blocking the effects of growth signals sent by the body to create new blood vessels.

Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can be prevented using the following methods: 

• Managing diabetes
• Monitoring blood sugar levels
• Consulting doctor and taking glycosylated haemoglobin test 
• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control 
• Quitting smoking and other forms of tobacco use
• Paying attention to vision changes 

References Link: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371617
3. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy#:~:text=Diabetic%20retinopathy%20is%20an%20eye,at%20least%20once%20a%20year.