Diabetic retinopathy is caused by diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes will most likely develop DR after approximately 20 years.

What causes Diabetic retinopathy?

Over time diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina. The earliest phase of DR is called background diabetic retinopathy. In this phase, the arteries in the retina become weaken and leak, forming small dot shape haemorrhages. These leaking vessels often lead to swelling in the macular area causing blurred and decreased vision. This condition is known as macular oedema.

The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, lack of oxygen in the retina causes the development of new but fragile vessels in an attempt to maintain inadequate level of oxygen within the retina. However, these fragile vessels leak easily, causing the blood to lead into the retina and vitreous, forming floaters and reduced vision.

Other complication may occur in the later stage, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Signs and symptoms

The affect of diabetic retinopathy on vision varies widely depending on the stage of the disease. The common problems are:

• Variable degrees of blurred vision, often linked to blood sugar level

• Floaters and flashes

• Sudden loss of vision

Detection

Regular eye examinations are necessary to help detect early signs of DR, especially for those who have been suffering for diabetes for a length of time.

Instruments such as ophthalmoscope and fundus camera are used to help diagnose the onset of DR

OCT can be used to detect diabetic macular oedema when the patient present symptom of blurred vision.

Treatment

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Laser surgery called pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is usually used to treat the abnormal growth of vessels in the retina.

Vitretomy is another surgery used to treat bleeding in the gel-like substance that fills the cavity of the eye.

Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of developing retinal tears and detachments.

Tears are often sealed by laser surgery. Whereas, detached retina is reattached by surgical intervention.