Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects individuals with diabetes, leading to damage in the blood vessels of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to swell, leak, or even close off entirely, disrupting the retina’s ability to function properly and potentially resulting in vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, we are dedicated to providing specialized care for individuals suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Our comprehensive services include advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing management to protect your vision and prevent complications.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic Retinopathy typically progresses through four stages:

• Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy:

  • The earliest stage, characterized by small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina’s blood vessels (microaneurysms). These microaneurysms can leak fluid into the retina, leading to mild vision impairment.

• Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy:

  • As the condition progresses, blood vessels that nourish the retina can become blocked, leading to a decrease in blood supply to the retina. This can result in a significant loss of vision.

• Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy:

  • At this stage, more blood vessels become blocked, depriving several areas of the retina of their blood supply. In response, the retina signals the body to grow new blood vessels, which is a hallmark of the advanced stage of the disease.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):

  • The most advanced stage, where new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina and in the vitreous gel inside the eye. These vessels can leak blood into the vitreous, causing severe vision loss or blindness. Scar tissue from this process can also lead to retinal detachment.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters in your vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Impaired color vision
• Sudden vision loss (in advanced stages)

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and effective management of diabetic retinopathy, even if you do not experience any symptoms.

Diagnostic Services At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy:

• Dilated Eye Exam: A thorough examination of the retina and optic nerve after dilating the pupils with eye drops, allowing our specialists to see the full extent of the damage.
• Fluorescein Angiography: A diagnostic procedure where a special dye is injected into the bloodstream, and pictures of the retina are taken to highlight any abnormal blood vessels or leakage.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to detect swelling, fluid accumulation, and other signs of retinopathy.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy While managing blood sugar levels is key to preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, various treatments are available to address the condition’s different stages:

• Anti-VEGF Injections

  • Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications, such as Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab, are injected into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce swelling. This treatment is particularly effective in the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy.

• Laser Photocoagulation

  • Laser treatment is used to seal or shrink abnormal blood vessels, prevent further bleeding, and reduce the risk of vision loss. This procedure is often performed in the advanced stages to manage the condition effectively.

• Vitrectomy

  • In cases where bleeding into the vitreous gel has occurred, a vitrectomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a clear solution, allowing light to pass through to the retina unimpeded. Vitrectomy is also used to repair retinal detachment.

• Steroid Injections

  • In certain cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce retinal swelling and improve vision. These injections can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.