Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina that develops as a complication of diabetes mellitus.
It occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to long-term high blood sugar levels. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss and blindness among adults of working age.

How It Develops

When diabetes is poorly controlled over time, small blood vessels in the retina narrow, become blocked, or start leaking.
This leads to insufficient blood supply to the retina and leakage of fluid and blood into surrounding tissue.
In advanced stages, new but fragile blood vessels form, which can bleed and cause permanent vision damage.

Forms of Diabetic Retinopathy

  1. Non-proliferative form – the early stage, characterized by small hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and retinal swelling (maculopathy).
  2. Proliferative form – advanced stage with the growth of new blood vessels, which may cause vitreous bleeding, traction, and retinal detachment.
  3. Diabetic macular edema – swelling of the retina’s central part (macula), which can significantly reduce vision even without other visible changes.

Symptoms

In early stages, the patient may not notice any symptoms. Over time, the following may appear:

  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Blind spots in the visual field
  • Fluctuating vision sharpness
  • Dark spots or floaters in front of the eyes
  • Poor night vision

Diagnosis

The key examination is fundus (retinal) evaluation by an ophthalmologist. To get a detailed view of the retina, the following tests are used:

  • OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) – shows the retinal layers and the presence of swelling
  • Fluorescein angiography – reveals blood flow and leakage points

Regular eye check-ups are essential even with good vision, as the disease can progress silently for years.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease:

  • Strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol – the basis of prevention and disease slowing.
  • Laser treatment (photocoagulation) – stops new blood vessel growth and reduces the risk of bleeding.
  • Injections of anti-VEGF agents or corticosteroids – reduce retinal swelling (macular edema).
  • Surgical treatment (vitrectomy) – for severe cases with bleeding or retinal detachment.

Prevention

  • Regular eye examinations (at least once a year for diabetic patients).
  • Good control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  • A healthy lifestyle – exercise, balanced diet, no smoking.

Summary

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but early detectable and treatable condition. Regular preventive eye exams make it possible to detect changes before vision deteriorates, helping to preserve good sight and quality of life.

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