Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, it is important to know that today, with improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, a smaller percentage of people who develop retinopathy have serious vision problems. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against vision loss.
There are two types of diabetic Retinopathy, Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR).
Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
NPDR, also known as Background Diabetic Retinopathy (BDR), is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, small blood vessels within the retina leak blood or fluid. The leaking fluid causes the retina to swell or to form deposits called exudates.
Early background diabetic retinopathy (BDR)
Moderate diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)
Many people with diabetes have mild NPDR which usually does not affect their vision. When vision is affected it is usually the result of macular edema (swelling) or macular ischemia.
Macular edema is swelling or thickening of the macula, a small central area of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly. The swelling is caused by fluid leaking from retinal blood vessels. It is the most common cause of visual loss in diabetes. Vision loss may be mild to severe.
Macular ischemia occurs when small blood vessels close. Vision blurs because the macula no longer receives enough blood to work properly.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)
PDR is present when abnormal new blood vessels (neovacularization) begin growing on the surface of the retina and or optic nerve. The main cause of the PDR is extensive closure of retinal blood vessels, preventing adequate blood flow. The retina responds by growing new blood vessels in an attempt to supply blood to the area where vessels have closed. However, the new abnormal vessels do not resupply the retina with normal blood flow. The new abnormal blood vessels leak and bring scar tissue that may lead to retinal detachment and hemorrhage (bleeding).
PDR may cause more severe vision loss than NPDR because it can affect both central and side vision. PDR causes visual loss by:
Vitreous hemorrhage. The fragile new blood vessels may bleed into the vitreous, a clear gelatinous substance that fills the center of the eye. If the vitreous hemorrhage is small, a person might see only a few new floaters. A large hemorrhage might block all vision. It may take days, months or even years to reabsorb the blood. If the eye does not clear the vitreous blood within a reasonable time, vitrectomy surgery may be performed. The vitreous hemorrhage alone does not cause permanent vision loss. However, when the blood clears, either by reabsorbing or surgical vitrectomy the amount of vision return will be determined by the extent of retinal damage.
Tractional retinal detachment. When PDR is present, scar tissue can form with the neovascularization and cause wrinkling and contraction of the retina from its normal position. Macular wrinkling can cause visual distortion. Further contraction can lead to severe vision loss due to retinal detachment.
Neovascular Glaucoma. PDR can lead to abnormal blood vessels plugging the normal flow of fluid out of the eye leading to greatly elevated eye pressure. As the pressure builds extensive damage can occur to the optic nerve and lead to permanent loss of vision.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy?
During the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may not notice any changes in your vision. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience:
If you have diabetes and notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your eye doctor at Eyes of the Southwest to ensure you’re not at risk for vision loss.
How Do You Know You Have Diabetic Retinopathy?
The only way to definitively diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a comprehensive dilated eye examination. During this exam, your eye doctor at Eyes of the Southwest will:
Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to provide detailed images of your retinal blood vessels and assess the thickness of your retinal tissue.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treatable?
Diabetic retinopathy is treatable, and several treatment options are available depending on the severity and stage of the condition. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further damage and preserve remaining vision.
Treatment options include:
Regular follow-up care is essential after any treatment to monitor your condition and ensure the best possible outcomes. Remember, maintaining good blood sugar control remains crucial in preventing further progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Do you have diabetes and need to have your eyes checked? Schedule an appointment at Eyes of the Southwest in Las Cruces, NM, today!