Switch to हिंदी

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Diet | Pregnancy & Parenting | Diseases & Home Remedies | TheHealthSite.com

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Diet | Pregnancy & Parenting | Diseases & Home Remedies | TheHealthSite.com

हिंदी
  • Health A-Z
  • Diabetes
  • Diseases
    • Type 1 Diabetes
    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Cancer
    • Heart Attack
    • Pneumonia
    • Diseases A-Z
  • Diet & Fitness
    • Weight Management
    • Exercise & Body Building
    • Diet & Recipes
    • Yoga
  • Coronavirus
  • News
  • Pregnancy
    • Conceiving
    • Infertility
    • Labour & Delivery
    • Pregnancy week-by-week
    • Breastfeeding
    • Baby Names
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Grooming
  • Photos
  • Videos
Home / Diseases & Conditions / Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is a common diabetic eye disease which is caused due to some changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that is present is the eye and is necessary for normal vision. In some cases of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels usually swell and leak out the fluid. While in other cases, there is an abnormal growth of new blood vessels on the surface of the retina. This condition usually affects both eyes and longer the person is suffering from diabetes, the more likely they will be affected with diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Haresh Asnani, a retina specialist from Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute, Navi Mumbai tells us about its symptoms, causes, prevention and more.

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina (innermost layer of the eye) caused by prolonged and inadequate blood glucose control. The small blood vessels in the retina are damaged and weakened.

The early symptom of eye problem related to diabetes is blurred vision and double vision. It can also cause a severe, permanent loss of vision. It also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

Here are 7 warning signs all diabetics need to watch out for.


Types

Diabetic retinopathy is usually classified into two main categories – Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In diabetic retinopathy retina receives less blood supply, a condition called hypoxia. Because of hypoxia the earliest changes seen are swelling and blood clots on the retina. These changes are called non-proliferative or background diabetic retinopathy.

In advanced diabetic retinopathy there is increased blood clots and swelling affecting the patient’s vision.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): The patient’s vision can get affected in the earliest stages of retinal maculopathy. If untreated, these conditions can progress into proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which there is bleeding from the retina (vitreous or pre-retinal haemorrhage) and blood vessels growing from the surface of retina invade the front part of the eye. This can be a very dangerous and fast progressing condition which requires surgical intervention in most of the cases.

If not treated, it leads to end stage of diabetic retinopathy which is known as neo-vascular glaucoma. In this condition the intraocular (eye) pressure goes up due to blood vessels invading front part of the eye resulting in painful blind eye.


Risk factors

People suffering from type1 diabetes and type2 diabetes are at higher risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy. The only way to reduce your risk and prevent diabetic retinopathy is to control your blood sugar levels.


Symptoms

One may not observe any noticeable symptoms during the initial stage of the disease. But over time your condition may get worse as the retina gets damaged which ultimately leads to loss of vision. Usually during the later stage of the disease, one may observe symptoms such as -

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty with color perception and night vision
  • Fluctuating vision

As retinopathy advances or diabetic maculopathy starts, a patient’s vision goes down. When there is bleeding from the retina, patients experience floaters i.e. a shower of black spots in front of the eye. When the proliferative stage starts, the blood vessels pull the retina leading to retinal tears and sudden loss of vision.

There is a certain amount of pressure in the eye which maintains the eyeball in its shape and also plays a role in blood circulation in the eye. The normal intraocular pressure is 17-20 mm Hg. If it goes above that it starts pressing on the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer and cause gradual loss of vision. End stage diabetic retinopathy results in unbearable pain due to rise in intraocular pressure.

Read about 9 interesting things your eyes reveal about your health.


Diagnosis

According to Dr Asnani, 'Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy has to be done at the earliest stage possible. After being screened for diabetes, the patient should have a baseline retina check-up.' The tests done are -

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): It shows thickness in the centre of retina.

Fluorescein angiography: It helps to determine the circulation of the retina.

Here's why early detection of diabetes is good for your eyes.


Treatment

The common treatment options for diabetic retinopathy are -

Injections: Intravitreal steroid injections or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections are given to control diabetic maculopathy. In early stages of

Laser treatment: In early stages of retinopathy when there is ischemia (lack of blood) of retina, laser treatment is used. In later

Surgery: In later stages surgical procedure called vitrectomy (removing the blood clot filled vitreous from the centre of the eye) is done and then the retina is treated with laser. Then a gas or silicon oil is injected as a substitute to the vitreous into centre of the eye.

In some cases where there is excessive bleeding in the retina, injections are combined with surgery .

Here are 3 reasons you’re unable to keep diabetes under control.


Prevention

The single most important thing you can do to prevent long-term complications of diabetes is controlling your blood sugar. In addition to this, there are few factors that help in reducing your risk of developing complications of diabetes. These are -

  • Keep an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle.
  • Have a balanced diet
  • Increase your level of physical activity
  • Go for regular eye check-ups 

 

The content has been verified by

Dr Haresh Asnani

, a retina specialist from Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute, Navi Mumbai.


More About Diabetic retinopathy

  • November 14 is World Diabetes Day: Everything you need to know about this condition

    November 14 is World Diabetes Day: Everything you need to know about this condition

    Diabetes is a condition where you have a high level of glucose in your blood. On this World Diabetes Day, take a pledge to avoid this condition by maintaining overall health and fitness.

  • Diabetes can cause cancer and more: Keep your sugar levels under control naturally

    Diabetes can cause cancer and more: Keep your sugar levels under control naturally

    Diabetes raises your risk of several health complications, including a few cancers. Manage this condition naturally.

  • Inculcate healthy habits to prevent vision impairment

    Inculcate healthy habits to prevent vision impairment

    Scientists have developed a new technique that can protect your vision, says a recent study. Read on to know how to improve eye health naturally.

  • Exercising with diabetes: Here is all you need to keep in mind

    Exercising with diabetes: Here is all you need to keep in mind

    Physical fitness can help you control your blood sugar levels and have a positive impact on overall wellbeing. Read on to know how to start your fitness journey the right way.

  • Diabetic retinopathy: An asthma drug and a few herbs that can heal this condition

    Diabetic retinopathy: An asthma drug and a few herbs that can heal this condition

    As a new study revealed that an asthma medicine can be effective in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder originating from high blood sugar levels. Here, we take you through a few herbs that'll boost your vision.

  • Type 2 diabetes: Do yoga to keep diabetes mellitus complications at bay

    Type 2 diabetes: Do yoga to keep diabetes mellitus complications at bay

    It's not just diabetes that can be deadly. Diabetes can lead to a number of dangerous complications like diabetic neuropathy. Yoga can help you reduce your risk of this disease.

  • World Diabetes Day 2018: Top 4 ways of preventing diabetes induced eye problems

    World Diabetes Day 2018: Top 4 ways of preventing diabetes induced eye problems

    World Diabetes Day is here and you must know about the hacks of preventing diabetes related eye ailments, mainly diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision due to this chronic condition.

  • 4 strange signs that may tell you have type 2 diabetes

    4 strange signs that may tell you have type 2 diabetes

    These odd symptoms of type 2 diabetes may shock you but it is important to know about them to detect the condition early.

  • Diabetes? Try these yoga poses recommended by an expert

    Diabetes? Try these yoga poses recommended by an expert

    These yoga asanas can help in controlling blood glucose levels and save you from complications of diabetes if done regularly.

  • Here's how you can tackle diabetes among pregnant women

    Here's how you can tackle diabetes among pregnant women

    Both, lifestyle modification and Pharmacological Therapies have been shown to reduce Diabetes development by 50%.

  • Blurred vision may indicate retinal disease, says study

    Blurred vision may indicate retinal disease, says study

    Among the various retinal disorders, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are the major types that account for about 8.7 per cent and 4.8 per cent of blindness in the world respectively.

  • Diabetic Macular Edema: What it is and how to prevent it

    Diabetic Macular Edema: What it is and how to prevent it

    Here are 7 tips to prevent Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

  • New find may help deter vision loss among diabetics

    New find may help deter vision loss among diabetics

    A new finding can help put off the disabling vision loss among patients with diabetes.

  • World Health Day: Eye health needs our attention

    World Health Day: Eye health needs our attention

    Eye health is one of the most ignored topics in the health domain.

  • Book presents a 21-day challenge to prevent and reverse diabetes

    Book presents a 21-day challenge to prevent and reverse diabetes

    The number of people with diabetes in India is about 64.5 million, second only to China in the ranking for the highest number of diabetics in the world.

  • Awareness campaign for diabetic retinopathy organized by Delhi Eye Care

    Awareness campaign for diabetic retinopathy organized by Delhi Eye Care

    A series of programs including awareness walk & talk and free eye check up camp were organized by Delhi Eye Care in National Capital in connection with Diabetes Awareness Month.

  • Did you know raw mango leaves can help to manage diabetes better?

    Did you know raw mango leaves can help to manage diabetes better?

    It is debatable if diabetics can eat mangoes or not, but raw mango leaves can be really beneficial to manage their condition.

  • Does diabetes cause blindness?

    Does diabetes cause blindness?

    A periodic evaluation of eye by an ophthalmologist is a must. Read to know why!

  • How can I protect my eyes from diabetes?

    How can I protect my eyes from diabetes?

    Here are few expert tips on how to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

  • Diabetes, sleep apnoea ups risk of eye disease

    Diabetes, sleep apnoea ups risk of eye disease

    Diabetes patients who are also suffering from sleep apnoea may be at greater risk of developing eye disease leading to blindness.

  • 1
  • 2
  • »
Read Disclaimer

Coronavirus Updates

Coronavirus Updates

Stay Informed, Be Safe

  • Don’t expect to get rid of coronavirus by 2021: WHO warns of continued Covid-19 transmission
  • Planning for a trip? In-flight spread of coronavirus possible during long-haul travel, says study
  • Recovered from Covid-19? Your immune system may fight coronavirus variants
  • To vaccinate or not? Medical expert clears the air around Covid-19 vaccines
  • Coronavirus vaccine: This nasal spray can block the virus for upto 2 days

Recent Posts

  • Don’t expect to get rid of coronavirus by 2021: WHO warns of continued Covid-19 transmission
  • Planning for a trip? In-flight spread of coronavirus possible during long-haul travel, says study
  • Beware! Air pollution can lead to irreversible blindness. Here’s how to stay safe
  • Lung cancer: Warning signs and symptoms you should never ignore
  • Beware! Obesity can lead to severe brain pressure disorder

Health Calculators

BMI Calculator
bmi Calculator
Ideal Body Weight
ideal body weight
Daily Calorie Intake
Daily calorie intake
Calories Burned
calories burned

Health News in Hindi

कोरोनावायरस, बैक्टीरिया से होगा बचाव, जब आजमाएंगे ये वर्षों पुराने दादी मां के 4 घरेलू नुस्खे, इम्यूनिटी भी होगी मजबूत

Holding Urine: पेशाब को रोककर रखने की आदत इन 5 गंभीर समस्याओं को दे सकती है जन्म

Diabetes Diet: डायबिटीज रोगियों के लिए 4 सुपरफूड्स, कंट्रोल करेंगे तेजी से ब्लड शुगर लेवल

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: इंफ्लेमेटरी बाउल डिजीज का लक्षण है पतली दस्त होना, बड़ी आंत में बन जाता है घाव

कोवैक्सीन हो या फिर कोविशील्ड! वैक्सीन लगवाने से पहले ये टिप्स कम करेंगे साइड-इफेक्ट का खतरा

Read All

Recent Posts

  • Don’t expect to get rid of coronavirus by 2021: WHO warns of continued Covid-19 transmission
  • Planning for a trip? In-flight spread of coronavirus possible during long-haul travel, says study
  • Beware! Air pollution can lead to irreversible blindness. Here’s how to stay safe
  • Lung cancer: Warning signs and symptoms you should never ignore
  • Beware! Obesity can lead to severe brain pressure disorder

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com
+91 – 22 – 6697 1234
Landline Phone number 91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

Useful Links

  • Weight Loss
  • Keto Diet Tips
  • Skin Care Tips
  • Intermittent Fasting
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Ashwagandha
  • Cancer
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dengue
  • Typhoid
  • Tuberculosis
  • Chickenpox
  • Chikungunya
  • Depression
  • Hepatitis
  • Diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Swine Flu
  • Baby Names
  • Cough and cold
  • Heart Attack
  • Breast Cancer
  • Ebola Virus
  • Dengue
  • Malaria
  • International Yoga Day
  • Hypotension
  • Heart Failure
  • Asthma
  • Brain Tumour
  • Celebrity Fitness
  • Goitre
  • HIV/AIDS

We respect your privacy

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Author Profiles

Copyright © 2021 Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved.