Diabetes affects all parts of the eye from the lids to the retina.
1. Refractive errors
2. Early cataract formation
3. Glaucoma
4. Diabetic retinopathy
5. Optic nerve disease
SYMPTOMS
1. Blurred vision
2. Floaters and flashes
3. Sudden loss of vision
WHO GETS IT
• All patients with diabetes gets it
• More rapid in early onset diabetics
• More common in poor control of diabetes
• Increases with increasing duration of diabetes
• Ideally its more common after 10 years duration
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
• It is a disease of the small blood vessels.
• Fluctuations or increase in sugar levels leads to leakage from the vessels.
• Leakage of blood leads to blurred vision or blindness.
DIABETIC MACULOPATHY
Swelling of the central visual area of the retina is Macular edema.
Disease of the macula is Maculopathy.
A simple dilated eye examination can tell us how the retina is.
• All diabetics should have a yearly dilated retinal examination
• Associated medical conditions like blood pressure and high lipids to be controlled
• Strict sugar control with proper medications and diet regimen
• Daily exercise or physical activity.
• Measuring glycosylated hemoglobin every 3 months to keep a check on the blood sugars
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the severity
Early NPDR just needs baseline documentation and periodical follow up
Moderate NPDR needs frequent follow ups and evalution of fundus by FFA and OCT
PDR and Maculopathy requires laser treatment and also Intravitreal anti VEGF.
Vitreous hemorrhage requires vitrectomy.
