Diabetic retinopathy: Why, What and How

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease occurring in diabetic patients. Diabetic retinopathy leads to blurred vision, retinal detachment and glaucoma. Let’s explore the ins and outs of diabetic retinopathy.

Stages of diabetic retinopathy

Here are the three stages of diabetic retinopathy:

1. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy

In the first stage of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to diabetes and start bleeding. As a result, the retina swells and forms deposits known as exudates. This stage may not cause vision problems but may lead to future problems.

2. Macular edema

This is the second stage of diabetic retinopathy. Macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see finer details. The excess fluid and exudates start accumulating in the macula and cause macular edema. This causes vision problems.

3. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

This the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy where the blood supply of retina is limited. Consequently, new fragile blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina which bleeds easily. This may lead to vitreous hemorrhage which in turn blocks retina and thereby the vision.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Fluorescein angiography and ophthalmoscope tests detect diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately, a diabetic patient cannot avoid diabetic retinopathy but can reduce the risks of it.

There is no known treatment for diabetic retinopathy. The only method is preventing the disease by practicing safe eye care and controlling diabetes. So, all the diabetic patients out there – beware of this disease and exercise caution! Early detection and proper care is the only remedy for diabetic retinopathy.