Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms And Treatment

One of the complications of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is the development of diabetic retinopathy. This is due to damage caused to the retina and usually develops when one has diabetes for a long time. The vast majority of people with diabetes for more than 10 years will have this complication.

Classification of the disease is made as non-proliferative and proliferative stages depending on the severity of the condition; the proliferative stage being the more advanced stage.

In the early stages, it is usually a quiet process with no symptoms; and just like diabetes itself, you may not be aware of any changes of your vision. Symptoms when present include spots or floaters in front of the eyes, blurring of vision, poor night vision, dark streaks that blocks your vision and loss of vision or blindness which is usually a gradual process but may onset suddenly at times.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy is aimed at preventing the progress of this disease and preserving whatever vision one may have. It does not cure the condition.

Laser photocoagulation of the eye or treatment with laser is perhaps the most widely used and effective mode of treatment in the early stages of this disease. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) was a multicenter, randomized, prospective clinical trial which demonstrated that photocoagulation in the early phases significantly reduced the risk of vision loss.

Severe bleeding into the gel inside your eyes (vitreous) may sometimes occur as retinal damage progress and if the blood does not clear on its own you may have to undergo a vitrectomy to regain your vision. This is a surgery done under local or general anesthesia.

In a vitrectomy, the blood mixed vitreous is removed from the eye using delicate instruments poked into it through tiny incisions. After removing the vitreous, the eye will be filled with a salt solution to maintain its normal shape. During this surgery the surgeon may also cut and remove any scar tissue which may have formed within the eyeball due to the disease. Presence of scar tissues increases the chances of your retina getting torn or detached; both the conditions potentially have severe adverse effects on your vision.

Controlling your diabetes is the most important means to prevent the development or halt the progress of this dreadful complication. Stopping smoking, reducing weight if you are obese and controlling other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels which you may have are also important.

If you are a diabetic and notice any changes in your vision, you should talk to your doctor and get your eyes checked. If you develop sudden changes in your vision, you should contact your doctor right away.

Even though there is no absolute cure for the condition, further damage to your vision may be prevented or minimized with proper treatment. At present, a lot of research is underway to find a cure.

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