Diabetic retinopathy highlights the need of appropriate diabetes control and routine eye exams as the primary cause of blindness in working-age adults.
Story continues below Advertisement Remove AdProliferative diabetic retinopathy: Advanced stage in which the retina develops new, irregular blood vessels.
Common diabetic retinopathy symptomsRecognising the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy early can help prevent severe vision problems, says Dr Sachdev.
Common symptoms according to Dr Sachdev includeBlurred vision: One of the initial indications of diabetic retinopathy is Blurred vision.
Vision loss: Severe diabetic retinopathy instances may result in either partial or total blindness.
Tiny dots or dark threads that float across your field of vision. Retinal aberrant blood vessel hemorrhage is the cause of this condition. (Image: Canva)
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects individuals with diabetes. The retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue in the rear of the eye, has blood vessel damage that is the cause of it. Diabetic retinopathy highlights the need of appropriate diabetes control and routine eye exams as the primary cause of blindness in working-age adults. Anybody with type 1 or type 2 diabetes has the potential to develop the illness, and the longer diabetes has been present, the higher the risk.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the retinal blood vessels and cause them to burst or leak fluid, which can eventually impair vision. If significant vision loss is to be avoided, early detection and treatment are essential.
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What is diabetic retinopathy
When elevated blood sugar levels harm the blood vessels in the retina, it results in diabetic retinopathy, says Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev (Padma Shree Awardee), chairman and managing director, center for sight, New Delhi.
There are four stages that this condition goes through
Mild non-proliferative retinopathy: An early stage of the condition marked by little patches of retinal blood vessel expansion similar to a balloon. Frequently asymptomatic, thus routine eye exams are essential.
Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy: This condition causes blockage in some of the blood arteries that supply the retina. Symptoms like hazy vision could begin to manifest.
Severe non-proliferative retinopathy: More blood vessels are clogged, which prevents blood flow to some parts of the retina. The body grows new blood vessels in response to signals from the retina, which can be harmful.
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Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Advanced stage in which the retina develops new, irregular blood vessels. These blood veins can burst and cause serious vision loss or blindness since they are unstable and weak.
Common diabetic retinopathy symptoms
Recognising the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy early can help prevent severe vision problems, says Dr Sachdev. Common symptoms according to Dr Sachdev include
Blurred vision: One of the initial indications of diabetic retinopathy is Blurred vision. It may come and go, getting worse over time if left untreated.
Floaters: Tiny dots or dark threads that float across your field of vision. Retinal aberrant blood vessel hemorrhage is the cause of this condition.
Empty or dark spots in vision: Certain areas of the visual field could seem empty or dark. Indication of severe retinal degeneration.
Difficulty seeing colours: Colours could seem faded or washed out. The outcome of blood vessel injury to the retina.
Vision loss: Severe diabetic retinopathy instances may result in either partial or total blindness. Timely medical attention is essential to avoid irreversible harm.
If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy—a serious side effect of diabetes—can result in blindness. Preventing serious visual damage requires knowing the stages and identifying the signs early. Effective management of this illness can be achieved with immediate medical attention, blood sugar control, and routine eye exams. Preserving vision and enhancing the quality of life for diabetics require proactive care and awareness.
