A silent assassinator of the vision in Diabetics. (Significance of the problem)
What is diabetic retinopathy?
The leakage of blood and fluids from the blood vessels of retina is called as diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes, the more the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic retinopathy?
Early diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms. Gradual blurring of vision may occur if fluid leaks in the central part of the retina (i.e., macula). In late diabetic retinopathy (proliferative stage), new abnormal blood vessels begin growing on the surface f the retina or the optic nerve. These vessels have weak walls and leak blood out into the retina and vitreous (jelly that fills most of the eye.) Presence of blood in the path of light entering the eye blocks vision.
Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy?
All diabetics are at the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Even though the control of blood sugar is very essential, it is more dependent on the duration of the presence of the illness in the body causes more damage.
What can contribute to DR?
The other systemic diseases like hypertention, cholesterol, etc can contribute in the development of DR.
Can vision lost by DR be restores?
The damages done for the vision by diabetic retinopathy is almost irreversible,
How to avoid / control DR?
DR can not be cured. It can be controlled once it started, by early detection, usage of medication and laser. To prevent vision loss, early detection is the most important available method. Control of blood sugar, cholesterol maintenance of general health contribute indirectly. A retinal examination at least once a year (unless advised earlier) by a qualified eye specialist is a must.
I have been treated by lasers already do I require regular followup?
Lasers help in controlling retinal damage by diabetes. But this process is temprovery an on going damage by diabetes will continue hence regular checkup is compulsory. A re laser procedure may be required later. Just like sealing a leaky pipe at one place will not prevent leakage at a different place. Damage to retinal vessels by diabetes will continue in spite of treatment by lasers.
What are lasers? What can I expect from laser?
Laser is a specialized light form which when guided into the eye treats leaky blood vessels by photo coagulation. It is done as a day care procedure. The patient gets his eye dilated sits infort of the machine. Based on the doctors judgement laser is guided into the eye in multiple number or spots. This is a pain less procedure, does nto require anaesthesia and patient walks back home following the procedure. Their might be slight drop in the vision in the immediate laser period. The patient required to use some drops following laser. There wil be no restriction of normal activity nor any special precausion will be taken following following laser treatment.
Laser can not cure but only controls the DR. this is the only proved and approved treatment to prevent blindness in diabetic retinopathy. Their might be intialy temporary drop in the v ision following laser. Post laser depending on the amount of damage patient usually experiences either the same pre laser vision or improved vision. The main role of laser treatrment is to prevent or postpone permanent visual loss.
Can I undergo cataract surgery ?
Cataract surgery in a patient with diabetic retinopathy is done for 2 reasons. One to get best possible vision to patient. The second and most important is to allow the retinal specialist to visualize and if required treat retina. Cataract block the clear view of retina.
Can cataract surgery cure diabetic retinopathy?
No cataract surgery and diabetic retinopathy are two different entites. If co-existing both require separate attention and treatment.
