The high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes damage the arteries, veins, and very fine vessels known as capillaries throughout the body. Diabetes can affect the eye's neural layer (retina) and its capillaries, leading to vision loss. Retina disorders caused by diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy.
The primary risk factor contributing to diabetic retinopathy is the duration of diabetes. In Type 1 or insulin-dependent young diabetics, the frequency of retinopathy increases with age after puberty. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can exacerbate retinal damage and accelerate the disease's progression. Other factors that can worsen retinopathy include pregnancy, hypertension, high blood lipids (hyperlipidemia), and kidney disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there might be no symptoms at all. Even if the disease progresses significantly, symptoms may not always be apparent. If diabetes has not affected the visual center, there will be no symptoms until the advanced stages, which can result in more severe outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial for diabetic patients to undergo regular examinations as recommended by their doctors, even in the absence of complaints. If diabetic patients experience vision changes not related to blood sugar that last more than a few days, they should consult a physician.
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages, progression of vascular damage in the eye can be halted with argon laser photocoagulation, preventing permanent vision loss. In many stages of retina damage caused by diabetes, intraocular injections might be necessary as part of treatment. In very advanced cases, procedures such as Pars plana vitrectomy can be performed to clear intraocular hemorrhages and remove intraocular membranes.
Vitrectomy Surgery
If there is bleeding at the back of the eye, vitrectomy may be performed. In vitrectomy surgery, the blood-filled area is cleaned and replaced with an artificial solution. It is the most commonly applied surgical method in diabetic retinopathy.
What Is Needle Treatment in Diabetic Retinopathy?
Medications have been developed to prevent further hemorrhaging in the eye and stop recurrent bleeding. These medications are injected in small amounts into the eye with a thin needle to carry out the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is more frequently affected by diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is more frequently seen in people who have had diabetes for a long time. While it usually starts after puberty in patients with Type 1 diabetes, retinopathy can be diagnosed even at the diagnosis of the disease in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Those with poor blood sugar control, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease, and women with diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk.
Can diabetic retinopathy lead to permanent blindness?
Yes, if left untreated or detected late, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss. The retina is the sensitive layer for vision, and vascular damage occurring here can eventually lead to hemorrhages, edema, and retinal detachment. In cases diagnosed early, detailed examinations can be performed using imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography. Disease progression can be halted with laser treatment, intraocular injection therapies, or vitrectomy surgery if necessary.
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses without symptoms and is detected during eye examinations. An ophthalmologist will examine the retina in detail using dilating eye drops. Pathological changes can be identified with imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. Early diagnosis helps in preventing permanent damage.
Is intraocular injection therapy safe and does it hurt?
Intraocular injection therapy is an effective and safe method for treating diabetic retinopathy. The eye is anesthetized before the procedure, and generally, no pain is felt. The medications used reduce retinal damage by preventing vessel leakage and the formation of new vessels. The treatment typically requires multiple sessions, and patients can usually return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.