DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. Regular eye exams will reduce the risk of vision loss and blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment is used successfully to treat retinopathy. All people with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms :
There are no early-stage symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and vision loss may not occur until the disease is advanced.
Late-stage diabetic retinopathy symptoms include:
Blurred vision
Eye strain
Headaches.

Causes :
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by complications of diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina, the seeing part of the eye.

Treatment :
Treatment options include:
Manage your diabetes and diabetic retinopathy – your doctor will assist you.
Laser treatment – for macular oedema and proliferative retinopathy. The laser treatment seals leaking blood vessels and can be used to reduce growth of new fragile vessels, helping prevent vision loss.
Surgery – may be required for severe cases of diabetic retinopathy that do not respond to laser treatment.

Things to remember :
All people with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Vision loss or blindness may be preventable through early detection and timely treatment.
Good control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol as well as regular eye examinations may prevent vision loss.

Op Dr.Ahmet UMAY
Bristol University / Ophtalmology Section
United Kingdom

Resource :
Better Health Channel 
betterhealth.vic.gov.au