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Overview
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when
the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or
the body is unable to process it properly. Insulin
is the hormone that regulates the level of sugar
(glucose) in the blood. Diabetes can affect children
and adults.
How does diabetes affect the retina?
Patients with diabetes are more likely
to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma,
but the disease’s affect on the retina is
the main threat to vision. |
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Most
patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after
approximately 20 years. The effect of diabetes on the
eye is called diabetic retinopathy.
Over
time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina.
The earliest phase of the disease is known as background
diabetic retinopathy. In this phase, the arteries in the
retina become weakened and leak, forming small, dot-like
hemorrhages. These leaking vessels often lead to swelling
or edema in the retina and decreased vision.
The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Blood may leak into the vitreous and retina from neovascularization
causing spots or floaters,
along with decreased vision.
In the later phases of the disease, continued abnormal
vessel growth and scar tissue may cause serious problems
such as retinal detachment (more)
and glaucoma (more).
Signs and Symptoms
• Blurred vision (this is often linked to blood
sugar levels
• Floaters and flashes
• Sudden loss of vision
Detection and Diagnosis
Diabetic patients require routine eye examinations so
related eye problems can be detected and treated as early
as possible. Most diabetic patients are frequently examined
by an internist or endocrinologist who in turn work closely
with the ophthalmologist. Most patients with diabetic
retinopathy are referred to ophthalmologist who specialize
in treating this disease.
Treatment
Diabetic retinopathy is treated in many ways depending
on the stage of the disease. The abnormal growth of tiny
blood vessels. Laser surgery called pan retinal photocoagulation
(PRP) or focal/grid laser are usually the treatment of
choice for this problem.
Vitrectomy is another surgery
commonly needed for diabetic patients who suffer a vitreous
hemorrhage (bleeding in the gel-like substance that fills
the center of the eye).
Prevention
Diabetics can also greatly reduce the possibilities of
eye complications by scheduling routine examinations with
an ophthalmologist. Many problems can be treated with
much greater success when caught early.
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