Diabetic Retinopathy...What is Diabetes?Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by inability to burn up the sugars (carbohydrates) that have been ingested. It is caused by insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. The patient may feel excessive thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes can affect vision due to cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve problems and most significantly by causing damage to the blood vessels of the retina which results in Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes can affect adults and children as well. What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of Diabetes Mellitus that affects the inner lining of the eye called the retina. Diabetes causes changes in the blood vessels of the retina that leak fluid and/or blood. The risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy increases the longer the patient has diabetes. Diabetic Retinopathy is also more aggressive and starts at an earlier time, the younger the onset of diabetes especially if the condition was diagnosed during childhood or during the teenage years. Diabetic Retinopathy is a chronic, progressive disease; that is, there is no known cure for Diabetic Retinopathy. It causes blurring of vision that cannot be relieved by eyeglass prescriptions. Diabetic Retinopathy is also one of the leading causes of blindness, especially if undetected or left untreated.What happens in Diabetic Retinopathy? In Diabetic Retinopathy, changes are seen in the blood vessels that occur the longer the duration of diabetes, more especially if the blood sugar levels have been inadequately controlled. The smaller blood vessels called capillaries become narrowed and/or obstructed while others form balloon-like sacs. These changes cause the vessels to leak blood and fluid, seen in the retina as hemorrhages, exudates and/or swelling. These changes can be slow to progress if blood sugar is well controlled. Despite good control, however, the retinopathy tends to progress slowly and steadily over time.What can be done to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy? A multicenter USA study called the “Diabetes Complications Control Trial” showed that prevention can best be done by a very tight control of blood sugar and by early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy which can be achieved by regular retina checks by retina specialists. It is important that the patient comply with the schedule recommended by the retina doctor for follow up visits even if the patient does not feel any symptoms. This is because diabetic retinopathy will more often than not start quietly and the patient may experience symptoms only when the disease is in its more advanced stages. |