What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease of the retina of the eye caused by Diabetes Mellitus (“Diabetes”). Diabetes causes small blood vessels in the retina to degenerate therefore reducing the delivery of oxygen to the retina. In later stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, severe bleeding in the eye may occur.

What factors increase the risk of Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Factors include long duration of Diabetes, poorly controlled Diabetes, Hypertension, Kidney Disease, Anemia and smoking.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy? 

In the early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, there may be little or minimal bleeding or leakage of the blood vessels and therefore the patient does not detect any change in vision.

In the later stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, a patient may have blurred vision or sees floaters.

How can a Diabetes patient avoid or delay developing Diabetic Retinopathy or losing his vision from Retinopathy?

By living a healthy lifestyle and diet and controlling any chronic conditions such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure, a patient with Diabetes may avoid or delay developing Diabetic Retinopathy.

To avoid losing vision, the patient should go for regular eye checks to detect Diabetic Retinopathy and seek early medical treatment which may prevent the vision from getting worse.

What treatment may be required for Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy may involve injection of drug into the eye, laser treatment or eye surgery. Please consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment for your condition.

[NOTE: This FAQ contains general information about medical conditions and its treatment. The information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor. If you have any medical problem, you should consult a doctor.]