Diabetic Retinopathy Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences What is it? Diabetic retinopathy is an eye complication of diabetes mellitus. It results from damage to the retinal blood vessels at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy usually causes no or mild symptoms. However, advanced diabetic retinopathy, if untreated, can result in blindness. The condition usually affects both eyes. What are the risk factors? All diabetic patients are at risk of diabetic retinopathy, and the risk increases the longer the diabetic condition persists. The risk is highest for those who smoke, have poor control of blood sugar levels, as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Figure 1. Normal Retina
Figure 2. Early diabetic retinopathy with retinal swelling at the macula
Figure 3. Advanced diabetic retinopathy with bleeding in the back of the eye
Figure 4. Advanced diabetic retinopathy with retinal detachment
What are the symptoms? Symptoms are unusual in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. However, the following may indicate the onset of the disease: spots floating in your vision, blurred vision; dark streaks or a red film that blocks your vision or poor night vision. What are the treatments for diabetic retinopathy? You should inform your consulting doctor of any of the above symptoms. The treatment options depend on the stage of the eye disease. For early diabetic retinopathy, close monitoring will be required. For advanced diabetic retinopathy, you will need prompt treatment. • Focal laser treatment can stop leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. This is usually done in one session. Vision will be blurry for about a day after the procedure.
• Scatter laser treatment (panretinal photocoagulation) can shrink abnormal blood vessels. It is usually done in two or more sessions. There may be some loss of peripheral or night vision after the procedure. • Vitrectomy is surgical removal of gel-like substance (vitreous) and scar tissue within the eye cavity and scar tissue tugging on the retina. A saline based solution is used to help maintain normal eye shape during surgery. A gas bubble may be placed in the eye to help re-attach the retina. You may need to remain face down after surgery for a few weeks until the gas bubble disappears. Regular eye exams are critical before and after treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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