Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss in diabetic patients. It is caused by abnormal changes to the retinal blood vessels. In some cases, these blood vessels may leak fluid, while in others, new vessels grow onto the surface of the retina. This is a very serious and common eye condition, affecting approximately 2 million Canadians.
Diabetic Retinopathy - Risk Factors
Diabetic patients, whether they suffer from Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes, are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Other risk factors include:
- Duration of diabetes - The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.
- Fluctuating blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy in diabetic women
- Tobacco use
Diabetic Retinopathy - Diagnosis
The only way to successfully and accurately diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This involves several vision tests:
- A visual acuity test
- Tonometry (to measure the pressure of the eye)
- Dilation of pupils
These eye exams allow our optometrists to detect any early signs of diabetic retinopathy and successfully diagnose and manage it. These symptoms include:
- Leaking blood vessels
- Change in the retinal blood vessels
- Damaged nerve tissues
- Any fatty or pale deposits on the retina
Diabetic Retinopathy - Treatment Options
There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, there are several treatment options available which are proven to be very successful in preventing vision loss and managing the progression of the eye disease. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, these treatment options include:
- Corticosteroids
- Focal/Grid Macular Laser Surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF injections
