What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Symptoms and Treatment

What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Symptoms and Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease that occurs as a result of damage to the retinal vessels at the back of the eye due to diabetes. When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it damages the retinal vessels; This can result in vision loss or even permanent blindness. Symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease progresses; Diagnosis is made by eye examination and optical coherence tomography. Treatment includes laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections and surgical methods.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common and serious eye complication of diabetes. The retina is fed by thin blood vessels, and these vessels can become damaged over time due to high blood sugar, forming abnormal blood vessels. Since these new blood vessels are weak, they can bleed easily and cause visual impairment. During a detailed examination of the pupil, microvascular changes in the retina can be detected at an early stage. It is therefore vital for individuals with diabetes to have an eye examination at least once a year.

Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

• Blurred/Wavy Vision — Blurred or wavy vision is the most common early symptom.
• Flying Objects — Objects and shadows floating in front of the eye.
• Flashes of Light — Flashes of light and shadows.
• Color Fading — Fading of colors.
• Dark Regions — Dark areas in the visual field.
• Sudden Vision Loss — Sudden and painless vision loss.
• Macular Edema — It affects central vision, making reading and driving difficult.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is directly related to diabetes. High blood sugar level disrupts the structure of the retinal vessels and is the main cause of this disease. These veins lose their permeability over time and leak fluid and blood; It may even become blocked and cause the formation of new abnormal vessels. In addition, factors such as long-term high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and pregnancy also play a role in the development of the disease by damaging the retinal vessels.

Diabetic Retinopathy Risks

• Long-Term Diabetes — Those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes whose disease duration exceeds 10 years.
• Hypertension/Kidney Disease — It increases the risk of hypertension and kidney disease.
• Gestational Diabetes — Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy.
• Irregular Blood Sugar — Individuals with irregular blood sugar levels.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

• Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy — Microvascular changes begin. It usually does not cause symptoms.
• Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy — Microaneurysms, minor hemorrhages, and macular edema may occur.
• Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy — The retina goes into oxygen starvation and vascular occlusions become common.
• Proliferative Retinopathy — New, abnormal blood vessels form. These vessels bleed, creating the risk of sudden vision loss. If left untreated, blindness may develop.

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis

Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by retinal eye examination. In individuals with diabetes, the pupil is dilated with drops and the retina is examined in detail; bleeding, leakage, and abnormal blood vessels are evaluated. When necessary, retinal layers are imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and macular edema is detected. With fluorescein angiography, dye is administered intravenously and circulation and vascular structure are examined.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

• Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation) — It destroys abnormal veins and stops leakage. It is applied with local anesthesia.
• Anti-VEGF Injections — It prevents the formation of new blood vessels. It improves central vision by reducing macular edema.
• Corticosteroid Injections — It is used to reduce edema.
• Vitrectomy Surgery — It is applied in advanced cases such as intraocular bleeding and retinal detachment.

The most important step in the treatment process is to keep diabetes under control. Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure values ​​should be balanced; Regular eye examinations and OCT follow-ups should not be neglected.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery Performed?

The surgical method applied to advanced stage patients is usually vitrectomy. The vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye is removed; The retina is supported by placing special liquids, gas or silicone oil in its place. It takes approximately 1-2 hours under local or general anesthesia. The eye is entered with the help of micro instruments through small incisions made in the white part of the eye; Bleeding is cleaned, abnormal blood vessels and membrane structures are removed. If the retina is detached, it is put back into place; With laser treatment, new blood vessel formation is prevented.

Recovery Process After Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

The healing process takes between a few weeks and a few months. In the first days after surgery, stinging, pain, slight bloodshot eyes and blurred vision may occur. If gas or silicone oil has been administered to the eye, the patient may need to hold his head in a certain position. Eye drops containing antibiotics and cortisone reduce the risk of infection. The first checks are made the day after surgery, in the first week and in the following weeks. During this process, heavy exercise, bending forward and getting water in the eyes should be avoided. Vision improves over time; However, full vision recovery may not always be possible; The main goal is to stop the progression of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions