Ocular Disease: Diabetic Retinopathy

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According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness among Americans of working age. It is a common complication of diabetes.

When insulin levels decline, the increase in blood sugar results in a damaged blood vessels in the eyes. These damaged vessels can bleed, causing retinal swelling as well as the formation of deposits called exudates. This occurs during the early stages of the disease (non-proliferative retinopathy). When macular edema occurs (swelling of the macula) due to the collection of fluid within the macula, reading and other work that requires fine visual acuity becomes impaired.

As the disease progresses, new more fragile vessels may form on the surface of the retina (neovascularization). If these vessels break, they bleed into the vitreous causing significant visual impairment. This occurrence is termed proliferative retinopathy. The new vessels can also cause retinal detachment due to the formation of scar tissue that can, in effect, pull the retina away from the back wall of the eye (choroid) and can lead to blindness without proper treatment.

The disease may be asymptomatic during the non-proliferative phase or even in some advanced cases. Macular edema may result in blurred vision. Spotty or hazy vision may occur due to proliferative retinopathy and in some cases result in loss of vision.

Obviously having diabetes is the major risk factor of developing diabetes. For some patients, the detection of diabetic retinopathy during a comprehensive eye exam may be the first sign of diabetes and lead to diagnosis of the disease.

Laser surgery may be conducted to seal off leaking blood vessels and to prevent further neovascularization. Surgery may also be performed to remove scar tissue that may lead to retinal detachment.

Regular comprehensive eye examinations are critical to anyone with diabetes in order to detect any changes in the condition of the eyes. Early detection of the disease may prevent visual impairment or blindness. Also, maintaining proper insulin levels, sustaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise may also reduce the risk of developing this disease.