DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Dr Savita Bhat explains the causes and management of diabetic retinopathy

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Many people with Diabetes are often unawarethat Diabetes affcets their vision and causes diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of visual impairment and blindness in people with Diabetes especially amongst those who fall within the working age group. Thus, the morbidity and treatment costs of diabetic retinopathy results in significant economic burden to individuals and society as a whole.

Blindness and visual impairment related to Diabetic retinopathy also has significant impact on the quality of life of people with Diabetes. One in three people will prediabetes will have retinopathy.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication associated with Diabetes affecting small blood vessels of the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive layer which forms the inner lining at the back of the eye. The optics of the eye creates an image of what is seen center of the retina. This functions like the film in a single-lens reflex camera. The image viewed is focused upon the center of the retina called the macula. However, the entire inner lining other than the center also receives and processes light signal and aids in the field of vision.

People at a higher risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy are those who:

• have Type 2 Diabetes for more than 5-10 years

• have Type 1 Diabetes

• have poor blood glucose control

• have high blood pressure

• have lipid abnormalities

• have anaemia

• smoke

• are pregnant

How is vision affected by Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes can affect various parts of the eye. Common causes are blurry vision due to increased blood glucose, cataract formation, glaucoma, dry eyes, lid cindines and the foremost damaging the retina is diabetic retinopathy.