Signs of Diabetic retinopathy (Diabetic eye disease)

Description

An eye disease that damages the blood vessels of the retina and is a complication of diabetes. Other common eye diseases of diabetes are cataracts and glaucoma. The retina is the back of the eye that collects light and enables one to see. Retinopathy is any disorder affecting the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and is one of the most common causes of blindness. There are multiple forms of this disease. In one type the eye blood vessels swell and leak fluid causing fluid build-up in the retina (macula edema). In the other extra blood vessels grow (proliferative retinopathy) causing retinal bleeding and decreased blood flow to the retina. Both forms can cause a gradual or sudden loss of vision. Early detection and treatment can slow down the visual loss.

Symptoms

Early in the disease there are no symptoms. This is why every patient with Type 1 or 2 diabetes needs to have early and regular eye exams. Later in the disease patients experience blurry vision, decreased vision, spots floating in their vision, and loss of vision.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. An examination of the eye using an ophthalmoscope and slit lamp will be done. The specialists (ophthalmologists) may also take pictures of the retina (fluorescein angiogram) with a special camera. The eyes are generally dilated for these exams.

Treatment

Early in the disease good control of the blood sugar and blood pressure is needed to prevent the progression of the damage. Laser surgery is used to treat more advanced forms. Bleeding into the eye requires surgery to remove the blood (vitrectomy).