What Do You Understand by Diabetic Retinopathy?


Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition, it is caused by diabetes that occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When diabetes is not well managed, it can lead to high levels of blood sugar, which in turn can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body including those in the retina.


 

Request an Appointment
Diabetic Retinopathy

Why Choose us

What's Your Speciality

  • Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) - this is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, the tiny blood vessels of the retina leak and make the retina swell. This stage may not cause noticeable symptoms. but, it is important to detect and manage early to prevent progression.

 

  • Proliferative Diabetic retinopathy (PDR) - the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. It starts when the retina starts growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization. These fragile new vessels often bleed into the vitreous. If they only bleed a little you might see a few dark floaters. If they bleed a lot, it might block all vision.

Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic eye problems symptoms can initially be asymptomatic, but individuals may experience:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Floaters in eyes
  • Difficulty in perceiving colors 
  • Flashes of light
  • Difficulty seeing in the dark
  • Sudden vision loss
  • Redness and eye pain
  • Gradually worsening vision
  • Dark spots or empty areas in the visual field


Early diabetic eye test enables timely intervention to prevent severe vision impairment or blindness, emphasizing the significance of proactive eye care in diabetes management.

Diabetic eye problems are caused by: 

  • High glucose levels in the blood can damage the blood vessels in the retina. 
  • The longer someone has had diabetes, especially uncontrolled, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
  • High blood pressure can exacerbate damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
  • Abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can contribute to retinal vessel damage.
  • Pregnant women with diabetes may experience accelerated progression of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy if blood sugar levels are not properly managed.
  • Certain ethnic groups and genetic factors may predispose individuals to a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Smoking and Alcohol can exacerbate the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Poor Diet and Exercise - Lack of physical activity and a diet high in processed foods can worsen diabetes control and contribute to retinopathy.
  • Medical conditions such as kidney disease can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Speciality

Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy treatment options include:

 

 

New Technology

Advanced Technology

upload image

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. It helps in assessing the thickness of the retina and identifying abnormalities.

upload image

Fluorescein Angiography

This diagnostic tool involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream and taking rapid photographs as the dye circulates through the blood vessels in the retina. It helps in identifying areas of leakage and abnormal blood vessel growth.

Speciality

Other Speciality

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye disease that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by damage to the small blood vessels that nourish the retina due to long-term high blood sugar levels.

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include blurred or fluctuating vision, floaters (spots or dark strings floating in your vision), impaired color vision, dark or empty areas, and vision loss.

A comprehensive diabetic eye test is necessary to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. It typically involves a visual acuity test, dilated eye examination, and tonometry (eye pressure measurement), and often includes imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography.

It is not possible to prevent diabetic retinopathy entirely, you can significantly reduce the risk or slow down its progression by managing your diabetes effectively. This includes keeping blood sugar levels.

The damage caused by diabetic retinopathy is generally not reversible, early detection, effective management of diabetes, and appropriate treatment can help prevent further progression of the disease and preserve vision. Regular eye examinations and timely intervention are crucial for managing diabetic retinopathy effectively.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition, mild cases of NPDR may not require immediate treatment but,  need close monitoring. More advanced cases may be treated with laser therapy(photocoagulation) to seal leaking blood vessels or with medications like anti-VEGF injections to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth.

Yes, if left untreated or if the disease progresses to an advanced stage, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss and blindness. However, early detection, proper management of diabetes, and timely treatment can help prevent or delay vision loss.

ASG Eye Hospital is one of the best diabetic retinopathy hospitals in India. Our experienced team of diabetic retinopathy specialists provides unparalleled patient care.

ASG Super Specialty Eye Hospital is among the top eye hospitals for diabetic retinopathy surgery in India, offering advanced treatments and experienced surgeons.

ASG Eye Hospital in India is known for providing the best diabetic retinopathy treatment in India, combining cutting-edge technology with skilled medical professionals.

Find the best eye doctor for diabetic retinopathy nearby by searching online reviews, seeking recommendations from an eye doctor, and asking for referrals from trusted sources.
Book Appointment Call now 1800 1200 111