Do you know these 6 features of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Updated: 1 day ago
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It is a complication of diabetes, a disease in which the body's ability to produce or use insulin is impaired. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can cause damage to the blood vessels in the body, including those in the retina.
The retina lies in the back portion of the eye which catches light signals and transmits them to the brain via the optic nerve. It is basically a microangiopathy, that is, it affects the smaller blood vessels of a tissue.
It is a leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetes mellitus and can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diseases. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent vision loss and protect your eye health.
In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, as well as steps you can take to prevent this condition.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that affects the eyes. It occurs when prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina plays a crucial role in vision, as it sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve, enabling us to see.
Symptoms:
In its early stages, the mid periphery of the retina is affected due to which retinopathy may not manifest any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses and involves the centre of the retina that is the macula, individuals may experience:
1. Blurred or fluctuating vision
2. Floaters, which are dark spots or strings in the field of vision
3. Impaired colour vision
4. Dark or empty areas in the vision
5. Difficulty seeing well at night
It is crucial to note that diabetic retinopathy often affects both eyes.
Risk Factors for Retinopathy:
Several factors contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy, which include:
1. Duration of diabetes:
The prolonged presence of diabetes significantly amplifies the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The cumulative effect of extended exposure to elevated blood sugar levels heightens the vulnerability of retinal blood vessels to damage and dysfunction.
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