Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and impaired vision among the working population worldwide. It is a serious condition that affects various parts of the eye, making it particularly important to take measures to prevent complications associated with it, such as diabetic retinopathy.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that affects the retina – the inner layer of the eye composed of nerve cells. It occurs due to damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to disrupted normal blood circulation and deterioration of vision.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy:

The main symptom of diabetic retinopathy is vision loss, which can manifest in two ways:

• Diabetic macular edema: The blood vessels in the central part of the eye (the macula) become leaky, causing swelling and damage to the nerve cells, resulting in impaired central vision.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Blocked blood vessels lead to a lack of nutrients for the retina, triggering the development of new, unstable blood vessels. These may rupture, causing bleeding into the eye and possibly retinal detachment, which is a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy:

• Laser treatment: The laser coagulates problematic blood vessels, preventing their leakage and reducing swelling.
• Intravitreal injections: Medications such as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) are injected into the eye. These injections are completely painless and effective in treating diabetic edema and proliferative retinopathy. It is possible not only to stabilize vision but also to improve the existing condition.
• Surgery (vitrectomy): In cases of advanced diabetic retinopathy, when the newly formed blood vessels cause severe damage to the retina, surgery is required to remove the damaged tissue and restore the normal structure of the eye.

The importance of early detection and treatment:

Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is extremely important, as timely treatment can prevent further damage to the retina and vision. Regular eye exams are key to early diagnosis, even if the patient does not notice changes in vision.

Prevention:

To prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetes should maintain good control over blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular eye exams are also critical, and it is recommended to have a check-up at least once a year, which includes pupil dilation and examination of the retina.

Why choose the “Pentagram” clinic?

At the “Pentagram” clinic, we have the most advanced diagnostic technologies and experienced specialists who specialize in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The ability to receive comprehensive diagnostics and treatment in one place, painlessly and quickly, is our great advantage, ensuring effective treatment with minimal recovery time.

 Synonyms: Retinal damage from diabetes, Ocular complications of diabetes, Macular edema, Black spots