Diabetic Retinopathy |
What is Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic Retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by Diabetes.
Diabetes can affect the eye in a variety of ways, all resulting from the blood vessels at the back of the eye leaking or becoming blocked, with new ones trying to form. This is all caused by high sugar and blood pressure levels making blood flow increase.
 In some cases there is a loss of central vision whilst in others the vision may be patchy and blurred or even get worse suddenly. This may be due to a haemorrhage within the eye.
The ability to see can vary from hour to hour. Reading may be difficult whilst the person is able to walk around unaided
Having diabetes does not mean that you will lose your sight, but this can occur in some diabetics after a number of years. About 12% of people registered as blind have diabetic eye disease as the cause.
Risk FactorsDiabetes needs to be well controlled by diet, tablets or insulin to avoid adverse effects to the heart, kidneys, the nervous system, blood vessels and the eyes.
TreatmentThe visual complications of diabetes can be prevented or at least significantly reduced by early diagnosis, even before the symptoms become apparent which makes regular eye checks extremely important for anyone with the diagnosis of diabetes.
Laser treatment can often be used to save sight if treatment is given early enough, though it cannot restore sight, which has been lost. Surgery can also remove any haemorrhage within the eye.
In several years it may be possible to take a tablet that stops the growth chemicals working to produce new blood vessels and block the retina. Much research is taking place around the world but no drug is currently in regular use. |
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 Sight loss
Sight Loss and Registration
Sight loss
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Retinitis Pigmentosa
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