Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels supplying the retina due to diabetes. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to significant vision loss and even blindness.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood or fluid. This leakage can impair vision and cause lasting damage to the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the UK.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through several stages, each requiring different levels of care:

• Background Retinopathy: At this early stage, the blood vessels in the retina begin to swell and may bleed slightly. While vision isn’t affected yet, regular eye exams are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
• Pre-Proliferative Retinopathy: Also known as non-proliferative retinopathy, this stage involves increased bleeding in the retina. More frequent retinal screenings, typically every 3 to 6 months, are necessary to monitor the condition.
• Proliferative Retinopathy: The most advanced stage, where scar tissue and fragile new blood vessels develop on the retina, increasing the risk of severe bleeding, retinal detachment, and vitreous haemorrhage. This stage poses a high risk of vision loss.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels. This condition damages the retinal blood vessels, leading to the growth of abnormal vessels that are prone to bleeding, which can cause further eye complications like vitreous haemorrhage.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you might experience:

• An increase in dark spots or "floaters" in your vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Fluctuating vision clarity
• Blank spots in your field of vision
• Vision loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek an eye examination immediately. For any questions or concerns about diabetic retinopathy, contact us or call 0203 993 1279.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy

Managing diabetes is crucial at all stages of diabetic retinopathy. Additional treatments become necessary during the proliferative stage, including:

• Vitrectomy Surgery: This procedure removes the vitreous gel and any blood inside the eye, allowing the surgeon to remove scar tissue and perform laser treatment.
• Laser Treatment: Used to eliminate abnormal blood vessels from the retina and prevent further damage.
• Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications are injected into the eyes to stop leakage, reduce retinal swelling, and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels, potentially improving vision.

What to Expect After Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Laser treatments are typically painless, with local anaesthesia used to numb the eyes. Most patients can return home the same day. Learn more about what to expect after VEGF injections or a vitrectomy.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with us today.

FAQs