Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious, sight-threatening complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels of the retina. Regular annual checks are essential for early detection and managing the risk of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy - are you due for your annual check?
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious, sight-threatening complication of diabetes. It begins when high blood sugar damages and weakens the small blood vessels at the back of the eye, resulting in leakage of blood and fluid into the retina.
This damage can cause the vessels to block blood flow entirely, or leak fluid and blood. A serious consequence of this leakage is the accumulation of blood and fluid at the macula (the central part of the retina), which results in macular oedema (or swelling). If untreated, this macular oedema can cause severe distortion or loss of central vision. Symptoms of advanced diabetic retinopathy can include blurring or distortion of vision.
The condition is primarily influenced by two key factors:
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Duration of Diabetes: How long diabetes has been present.
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Blood Sugar Control: How well the blood sugar levels are controlled over time.
This condition affects both major types of diabetes: Insulin dependent or Type 1 (damage to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and usually occurs earlier in life), and Non-Insulin dependent or Type 2 (usually related to lifestyle and environment), and can also be related to auto-immune conditions and pregnancy.
The Best Defence Against Diabetic Retinopathy
Maintaining stable and healthy blood sugar levels is the single best defence against the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
With the proper medication, diet, and exercise modifications, you can significantly reduce your risk. However, because early-stage changes often have no noticeable symptoms, annual eye checks are recommended in order to monitor the health of the retina and the eye as a whole, thus allowing early detection of any changes that may be occurring.
At Acuity Eyecare, our comprehensive eye exams focus on proactive management. We check not only your vision but the internal health of your eye, looking for tell-tale signs of blood vessel damage caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Early Detection & Treatment
Early detection is critical for successful treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Our comprehensive eye examinations utilise advanced diagnostic technology, including fundus photography and OCT scanning, to carefully inspect the retina for early signs of leakage, swelling, or new blood vessel growth before they cause irreversible vision damage.
If detected, treatment options focus on stabilising the condition and stemming bleeding. Treatment is typically managed by an ophthalmologist and may include injections and/or laser therapy. Our optometrists work closely with specialists to co-manage your care, ensuring you have a clear plan for managing your diabetic retinopathy and preserving your sight.