DIAPETIC RETINOPATHY

COMMON RETINAL DISEASES

What is RETINA?

The Retina is the light sensitive layer of the eye which converts images to electrical nerve signals that can be analyzed by the brain

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is progressive dysfunction of the small blood vessels caused by impaired blood glucose levels. It is potentially blinding. In the early stages, the patient would present with Retinal hemorrhages and other retinal changes, but this will not cause any symptoms. The central area called macula is involved commonly and that can cause decrease in vision and blurring. In the severe stage of the disease, there can be bleeding and retinal detachment which is blinding and may need surgical intervention.

Any diabetic, with uncontrolled blood sugars or with long duration of diabetes can develop some form of diabetic retinopathy. All diabetics need a dilated fundus examination annually or as decided by the physician to ascess the progression of retinopathy.

FUNDUS FLOURESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY (FFA)

The flourescein dye is injected into one of the veins of the hand and colored photographs are taken. This helps to study the extent of the Retinal disease.

LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION

BASED on the FFA, the doctor may decide to do laser photocoagulation to macula (Focal laser) or to entire retina (Pan retinal photocoagulation). The main aim is to preserve the existing vision and prevent further loss of vision.

VITRECTOMY

A surgery is needed to clear the blood in the eye or to treat retinal detachment in severe forms of diabetic retinopathy.

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