Diabetic Retinopathy
A brief explanation

iabetes results when the body is unable to properly use and store sugar. It is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans. Loss of vision can occur for a variety of reasons including early cataracts and glaucoma. By far the most frequent and potentially blinding complication is when the retina or light-sensitive inner layer of the eye is affected. High levels of sugar or glucose in the blood damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina. This condition is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Approximately one-quarter of all diabetics have some degree of retinopathy. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes. More than 90% of diabetics will develop retinopathy at some point during their lives.

How does diabetic retinopathy cause loss of vision?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause loss of vision in several ways. In background diabetic retinopathy, the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy, leaky blood vessels can result in swelling of the central retina or macular edema and blur the center of vision. Lack of blood flow or ischemia may lead to new blood vessel formation. The growth of new blood vessel in the eye is an ominous sign and is referred to as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The new vessels are fragile and often hemorrhage inside the eye. Symptoms of hemorrhage include floaters or a diffuse haziness covering the field of vision. Scar tissue formation on the surface of the retina is the end result of new blood vessel growth in the eye. With time contraction of scar tissue in the eye will pull on the retina causing retinal detachment and total loss of vision if left untreated.

What is the treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

Fortunately, effective treatment is available and loss of vision is preventable in the vast majority of cases. For those that do develop retinopathy effective treatment is available. Laser surgery, usually done in your doctor’s office, is used to seal leaky blood vessels or prevent growth of new vessels. Scar tissue causing retinal detachment or hemorrhage which does not clear spontaneously may require outpatient surgery.

Can anything be done to prevent diabetic retinopathy?

It has been clearly demonstrated that well-controlled diabetics have less retinal complications than those who are poorly controlled do. Weight loss, exercise and diet also play an important role. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment good vision can be maintained in most cases. Unfortunately, many diabetic patients do not seek treatment until loss of vision has occurred at which time the retinopathy is usually advanced. All diabetics should have yearly eye exams prior to the detection of retinopathy. If retinopathy develops more frequent follow-up is required.

St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute provides this on-line information for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice.  Information published on this St. Luke's website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a consultation with an eyecare professional regarding the viewer/user's own medical care.  St. Luke's disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.