» Diabetic Retinopathy | Dr. Christine Erlich

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of elevated blood sugar damaging the blood vessels all over the body including the eyes. The damage may take years to develop or may be present at diagnosis. This is why all diabetics require regular eye examinations.

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How do you prevent diabetic retinopathy?

Keep blood sugars steady in a normal range. Keep a normal blood pressure and blood cholesterol level. Quitting smoking is extremely important as inhaling cigarette smoke leads to less oxygen in the body.

What is non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

The earliest form of diabetic retinopathy is found when examining the inside of the eye, specifically the retina. Small spots of blood and spots of fat, called hard exudates, form. As well fluid leaks from the damaged blood vessels and causes edema or swelling in the layers of the retina. If this occurs in the center of the macula, vision can become blurred and distorted, sometimes permanently.

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What is proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

If damage to the blood vessels worsens, the oxygen supply to the eye decreases, called ischemia. A chemical called VEGF is released from the new blood vessels. This stimulates new blood vessels to grow. These are very delicate and bleed easily sometimes filling the eye with blood. Left untreated, this leads to scarring, retinal detachment and vision loss.

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How is diabetic retinopathy monitored?

A dilated retinal exam will reveal if there is any diabetic retinopathy. Supplemental tests such as OCT, Fluorescein angiography and ultrasound will help determine if treatment such as laser or injections of anti-VEGF drugs will heal the eye.