India is known as the diabetes capital of the world, and 10-12% of the population in Bengaluru is diabetic. High blood sugar can increase the risk of eye diseases like cataract and glaucoma and can also damage the retina, particularly the central macula—resulting in diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, which lead to blindness if untreated.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Prolonged high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina, leading to changes in vision like blurred vision, dark spots or floaters, cobweb-like shadows, fluctuating eyesight, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. Diabetic Eye Disease develops silently, progressing to advanced stages before it is detected.
Early Detection Can Prevent Vision Loss: Dilated eye examination can diagnose diabetic retinopathy. “Advanced tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Photography, and Fluorescein Angiography help assess the severity of the disease, and guide appropriate treatment,” says Dr. Rohit Shetty, Clinician & Translational Scientist, and Director, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Electronic City. The disease progresses through four stages. Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) involves small swellings in retinal blood vessels and usually requires monitoring. In Moderate NPDR, blood vessels become blocked or leak fluid, requiring regular follow-ups. Severe and Very Severe NPDR may involve the growth of abnormal blood vessels and requires treatment by a retina specialist, and eye injections (Anti-VEGF medication, steroids).
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), is a very advanced stage where abnormal blood vessels grow into the retina and vitreous, leading to retinal detachment and blindness. Along with injections, laser therapy or surgery(vitrectomy) may be required.
Protect Your Vision Before It’s Too Late: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss, retinal detachment, or vitreous haemorrhage. Seeking timely treatment is the most effective way to protect vision and preserve quality of life.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Prolonged high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina, leading to changes in vision like blurred vision, dark spots or floaters, cobweb-like shadows, fluctuating eyesight, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. Diabetic Eye Disease develops silently, progressing to advanced stages before it is detected.
Early Detection Can Prevent Vision Loss: Dilated eye examination can diagnose diabetic retinopathy. “Advanced tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Photography, and Fluorescein Angiography help assess the severity of the disease, and guide appropriate treatment,” says Dr. Rohit Shetty, Clinician & Translational Scientist, and Director, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Electronic City. The disease progresses through four stages. Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) involves small swellings in retinal blood vessels and usually requires monitoring. In Moderate NPDR, blood vessels become blocked or leak fluid, requiring regular follow-ups. Severe and Very Severe NPDR may involve the growth of abnormal blood vessels and requires treatment by a retina specialist, and eye injections (Anti-VEGF medication, steroids).
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), is a very advanced stage where abnormal blood vessels grow into the retina and vitreous, leading to retinal detachment and blindness. Along with injections, laser therapy or surgery(vitrectomy) may be required.
Protect Your Vision Before It’s Too Late: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss, retinal detachment, or vitreous haemorrhage. Seeking timely treatment is the most effective way to protect vision and preserve quality of life.
