Diabetes mellitus causes elevated blood sugar levels that can damage the microvascular system of the retina. Known as diabetic retinopathy, this potentially blinding condition can lead to fluid leakage, vessel blockage, or abnormal blood vessel growth. It encompasses two main forms: diabetic retinopathy (affecting retinal tissue) and diabetic maculopathy(swelling in the central retina).

DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

An overview of

SYMPTOMS

Early Stages: Often completely asymptomatic, highlighting the need for proactive screening.
Advanced Stages: Fluctuating or blurred vision, dark spots or floaters, distorted images, or sudden vision loss.

DIAGNOSIS & SCREENING

Because early-stage diabetic eye disease is easily treated when detected early, all diabetic patients require specialist eye examinations at least annually. Diagnosis involves dilated fundus examinations, digital fundus photography, and High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to cross-sectionally image retinal layer swelling.

TREATMENT & CARE

Medical Management: Strict blood glucose and pressure control in collaboration with your primary physician.
Intravitreal Injections: Targeted anti-VEGF or steroid injections inside the eye to reduce macular swelling and leakage.
Retinal Laser Therapy: Precise laser treatments to seal leaking vessels or cause abnormal vessels to shrink.
Surgical Vitrectomy: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery for severe non-clearing vitreous hemorrhages or tractional retinal detachments