Diabetic Retinopathy
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness due to diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar as a result of insulin secretion or insufficient action of insulin.
Diabetes affects the nerve layer of the eye (the retina or reticular layer) and the capillaries in this layer, disrupting its functioning and causing loss of vision. Retinal diseases caused by diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms of diabetic Retinopathy
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy vary depending on the severity of the eye damage. Many people with diabetes learn about the damage to their eyes as a result of a detailed examination of the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a very serious condition that can lead to vision loss.
For this reason, diabetic patients need to have regular eye examinations for early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Why Does Diabetic Retinopathy Occur?
The stage and duration of diabetes are the leading risk factors that play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. The incidence of retinopathy increases in particular 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The incidence of retinopathy after puberty in young type 1 diabetics or insulin-dependent diabetics increases with age.
In What Situations Does Diabetic Retinopathy Occur?
Blood sugar control is an important factor. The uneven flow of sugar in the blood and sharp rises and falls in blood sugar contribute to the deterioration of the retina and the progression of the disease. Pregnancy, hypertension, high blood lipids (hyperlipidemia), and kidney disease are other factors that make retinopathy worse.
Diabetes mellitus disrupts the structure of the retinal capillaries, causes cell death, impaired vascular permeability, accumulation of fluid and oily substances in the area of the macula, and the appearance of areas that are not nourished due to blockage of the capillaries. New blood vessels form in the retina, which can bleed spontaneously. Hemorrhages that occur in front of and inside the retina can penetrate the posterior cavity of the eye. Vascular membranes form in the retina, leading to severe visual loss and a painful increase in intraocular pressure.
If the retina is normal in patients with diabetes mellitus, the examination should be carried out once a year. Follow-up is one of the most important points in this disease.
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
If macular edema occurs in the stages of diabetic retinopathy, treatment will be required. Patients with diabetic retinopathy need to have regular examinations so that the disease can be controlled before it progresses.
Stages of diabetic retinopathy
Early-stage retinopathy: This is the early stage of the disease. At this stage, microaneurysms begin to form.
Intermediate-stage of retinopathy: At this stage, there is a blockage of some of the vessels that feed the retina
Advanced stage of retinopathy: This stage, which we call proliferative diabetic retinopathy, is considered the most advanced stage of retinopathy. At this stage, the vessels have an abnormal structure that is different from normal. At this stage, vascular hemorrhage is observed and it is considered the most severe stage.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Last Update Date: 30.01.2023
