Retina is transparent neurological tissue which forms the innermost layer of our eye. It helps to form visual images of the external objects seen by our eyes. Retina converts visual images into visual waves helps to transfer them to the brain through the optic nerve. Hence clear vision is dependent on the good health of retina. The central 5mm of the retina is called "Macula" which is the most important part of the eye responsible for fine vision.
Diabetices are 25 times more likely to develop blindness than a normal person. the risk of blindness increases with the duration of diabetes. After 15-20 years of diabetes, 95% of the patients have some form of diabetic retinopathy of which 20% may have advanced disease. Fortunately, early detection and timely treatment can prevent blindness in almost 90% of cases.
Diabetes reduces the supply of oxygen (Hypoxia) to the retina. This causes swelling of the macula which reduces the vision. Hypoxia also causes delicate new blood vessels to form which can rupture any time causing a minor or a major bleeding inside the eye. Fibrovascular membranes can also form & contract causing tractional retinal detachment leading to vision loss.
Gradual/sudden loss of vision, inability to read even after wearing glasses, frequent changes in glass number, squint or double vision can be some of the complaints noticed by patients. But majority cases may not have vision loss and hence the disease can go undetected. Strict control of blood sugar levels, regular eye chekups and timely laser treatment, whenever indicated is the mainstay of treating diabetic retinopathy. When there is retinal detachment or heavy bleeding inside eye, vitrectomy operation may be needed. Selected cases of swelling of the macula and intraocular bleeding can also be treated by intravitreal injections of Anti-VEGF. Normal Retina Unfortunately patients with even advanced disease may have no vision loss. so, absence of vision loss doesn't rule out the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Thus, regular eye checkups are the mainstay of detecting diabetic retinopathy.
Strict control of blood sugar levels, regular eye checkups and timely laser treatment, whenever indicated is the mainstay of treating diabetic retinopathy. When there is retinal detachment or heavy bleeding inside eye, vitrectomy operation may be needed. Selected cases of swelling of the macula and intraocular bleeding can also be treated by intravitreal injections of Anti-VEGF.
Getting good vision after treatment entirely depends upon the preexisting damage caused by diabetes to the retina at the point of time the patient sees the doctor. In cases of early damage near normal vision can be restored. But the visual results in cases with advanced damage are limited due to irreversible to vital structures like the macula and optic nerve.
Gunale Netralay & Retina Laser Centre is an Eye hospital owned and managed by Dr. Harshwardhan N. Gunale . The hospital has been offering its services to the community for comprehensive eye care with a specific focus on Retina.
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