Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment to Prevent Vision Loss se

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What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage the blood vessels of the retina (light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). It is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in people with Diabetes Mellitus.

Causes

  • Persistently high blood sugar levels

  • Long duration of diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Pregnancy in diabetic women

  • Smoking

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

  • Early stage

  • Blood vessels weaken and leak fluid or blood

  • May cause retinal swelling (macular edema)

  • Vision may remain normal initially

2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

  • Advanced stage

  • New abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina

  • These vessels may bleed, causing severe vision loss

Symptoms

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Dark spots or floaters

  • Difficulty seeing at night

  • Colors appearing faded

  • Sudden vision loss in advanced cases

Note: Early stages may not show symptoms, making regular eye screening essential.

Diagnosis

  • Dilated eye examination

  • Fundus photography

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

  • Fluorescein angiography

Management and Treatment

  • Strict blood sugar control

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol management

  • Laser therapy (photocoagulation)

  • Intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF medicines)

  • Vitrectomy surgery in severe cases

Prevention

  • Maintain controlled blood glucose levels

  • Regular annual eye checkups

  • Healthy diet and regular exercise

  • Avoid smoking

  • Follow diabetes treatment plan strictly

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical care if you notice sudden vision changes, black spots, or vision loss.

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