DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetes can have a profound effect on both the blood vessels in the body, and the health of the retina. Eye examinations are a great way of monitoring the status of a patients diabetic control

As blood sugars in the body fluctuate the blood vessels can become leaky, allowing proteins and blood to move into surrounding tissues. In the eyes we have a unique opportunity to examine the impact of this

The main symptom of diabetic retinopathy is blurry vision, though many patients with early retinopathy may have no symptoms at all.

In some patients we can see signs of early diabetic retinopathy, before they are diagnosed with the condition

If you are concerned about diabetic eye disease, we suggest that you book an eye examination

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Diabetic retinopathy is easily checked for at a routine eye examination. OCT scans can also can help detect small bleeds and leakages, slightly earlier than conventional examination methods, and as such these are recommended for any diabetic patient.

Many patients who are diagnosed with diabetes will attend a diabetic retinopathy screening at a doctors or another optometrist. At this appointment the patient has photographs taken of their eyes and are screened for retinopathy. At these appointments no scanning is performed at all, as such it is advisable to consider OCT at your next eye examination.

In early diabetic retinopathy, often nothing needs to be done, other than the patient managing their condition through diet and medication more appropriately. 

If diabetic retinopathy progresses to an advanced stage (proliferative retinopathy) often these patients will require some kind of treatment at the hospital possibly including:

• Retinal laser treatment (pan retinal photocoagulation or focal laser)
• Intraocular anti-VEGF injections
• Vitrectomy 

Additionally poorly controlled diabetes, can accelerate cataract formation: Learn more here