Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

Diabetes affects the retina, which may lead to diabetic retinopathy (DR) – a significant ocular disease that can diminish vision or even cause blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that results in damage to the blood vessels of the retina, caused by extended periods of elevated sugar levels.

RISK FACTORS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

• DR is more common in type 1 diabetes than in type 2 diabetes

• Duration of diabetes is the most important risk factor. In patients diagnosed before the age of 30 years, the incidence of DR after 10 years is 50%, and after 30 years 90%

• Poor blood glucose control. Raised HbA1c is associated with an increased risk of proliferative disease.

• Pregnancy is occasionally associated with the rapid progression of DR.

• Hypertension

• Kidney disease, if severe, is associated with worsening of DR.

• Asian or Afro-Caribbean background

• Other risk factors include obesity, hyperlipidaemia, and anemia.

STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Early-stage diabetic retinopathy is usually mild and may not cause any symptoms. Mild cases involve tiny protrusions in retinal blood vessels, while more advanced stages include bleeding into the retina itself, lack of blood supply to the retina, growth of abnormal new blood vessels, bleeding into the vitreous body, scarring, tractional retinal detachment, etc. Diabetic retinopathy can cause irreversible damage when it advances to its more serious stages.

Screening for diabetic retinopathy has a key role in the early detection of the disease and offers essential preventative measures that stop symptoms from progressing beyond repair. More advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy might need laser or surgical treatment.

Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

• DR tends to cause no symptoms at the early stages

• Gradually or suddenly worsening of vision

• Blurry central vision

• Blind spot centrally or peripheral in your vision

• Shapes floating in your field of vision (floaters)

• Eye pain and redness in late stages

Treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

If you are looking for surgical treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy, schedule a consultation with Prof. Marco Mura at the Department of Ophthalmology Arcispedale Sant’Anna in Ferrara or at Casa di Cura Toniolo in Bologna, Italy.