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By Bumrungrad International Hospital
Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated. Caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina, this condition can develop silently.
Causes?
When blood sugar levels remain high, blood vessels in the retina can weaken, swell, or leak fluid. In advanced stages, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina, leading to vision problems and potentially severe complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma.
Symptoms?
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience:
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Dark spots or “floaters”
Impaired color vision
Vision loss in both eyes
Since symptoms often don’t appear until the condition is advanced, regular eye exams are essential.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.
Risk increases with:
Poor blood sugar control
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Pregnancy
Long duration of diabetes
Prevention and Management
The best prevention strategies involve controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular eye exams can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, especially in those who have had diabetes for several years. Lifestyle adjustments and proper diabetes management are key to preventing its progression.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
Laser Treatment: Used to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal ones.
Injections: Anti-VEGF medications reduce swelling and slow disease progression.
Surgery: In advanced cases, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or blood from the retina.
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