Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Kalyan

Diabetic Retinopathy

Understanding About Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to vision problems, including blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy usually develops in stages and can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, particularly those who have had diabetes for many years or have poorly controlled blood sugar levels.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy:

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR):

In the early stages, the blood vessels in the retina weaken and leak fluid or blood, causing swelling. NPDR can be mild, moderate, or severe, but it may not cause noticeable symptoms right away.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):

In the more advanced stage, new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. These fragile vessels can bleed into the vitreous (the gel-like fluid inside the eye) and may lead to retinal detachment or permanent vision loss.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):

This occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. DME can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and leads to blurry or distorted vision.

Symptoms:

Blurred Vision:

As the blood vessels in the retina become damaged, vision may become blurry or distorted.

Dark Spots or Floaters:

You may notice dark spots, strings, or floaters drifting in your field of vision due to bleeding inside the eye.

Difficulty Seeing at Night:

Night vision may be impaired as the retina becomes damaged over time.

Sudden Vision Loss:

In severe cases, a sudden loss of vision may occur due to bleeding or retinal detachment.

Fading Colors:

Vision may become dull or colors may appear less vibrant as the condition progresses.

Treatment:

Blood Sugar Management:

The most important treatment for diabetic retinopathy is controlling blood sugar levels. Proper diabetes management can slow the progression of the disease.

Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation):

Laser therapy can seal leaking blood vessels and prevent the growth of abnormal vessels in the retina.

Intravitreal Injections:

Medications such as anti-VEGF drugs are injected directly into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

Vitrectomy Surgery:

In advanced cases, a vitrectomy may be needed to remove blood or scar tissue from the vitreous and prevent retinal detachment.

Steroid Injections:

Corticosteroid injections can help reduce swelling in the macula and improve vision in cases of diabetic macular edema.

Precautions:

Regular Eye Exams:

People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol:

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can worsen diabetic retinopathy, so it’s important to keep these conditions under control.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels:

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial in preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking increases the risk of complications from diabetic retinopathy and should be avoided.

Monitor Vision Changes:

If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness or dark spots, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Before Surgery

Before undergoing surgery for diabetic retinopathy, your doctor will perform a detailed eye exam to assess the extent of the damage. Imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography may be used to evaluate the retina. It’s important to discuss your overall health and blood sugar management with your doctor, as uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing and recovery. Your doctor may advise adjusting your medications before surgery and will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, including the possibility of vision improvement or further complications.

During Surgery

During surgery, depending on the severity of your condition, different techniques may be used. Laser surgery, known as photocoagulation, involves using a laser to seal leaking blood vessels or prevent the growth of new, abnormal vessels. In more severe cases, a vitrectomy may be performed, where the surgeon removes the blood-filled vitreous gel from the eye and replaces it with a saline solution. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, and you may feel some pressure but no pain. The duration of the procedure varies based on the complexity of the case.

After Surgery

After surgery, your vision may be blurry for a few days, and you’ll need to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least a week after surgery to prevent pressure on the eye. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the surgery was successful. It can take several weeks for your vision to stabilize, and in some cases, additional treatments may be needed to maintain vision. Controlling blood sugar levels remains critical to prevent further damage.

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