Definition
Definition
Retinopathy is damage to the thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye called the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
There are 2 types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy—fluid from weakened blood vessels in the retina may leak into the retina and result in swelling of the macula, which is responsible for clear central vision
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy—the retina becomes deprived of oxygen and new blood vessels form in the retina and in the fluid in the back of the eye, which can cause leaking and cloudy vision, and possible detachment of the retina
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Causes
Causes
Diabetes causes high levels of glucose in the blood. Over time, this excess glucose can cause damage to small blood vessels throughout the body. The blood vessels in the retina are sensitive to this type of damage.
High glucose can cause the blood vessels in the retina to swell, leak, or close off. The damaged blood vessels may then be replaced with weaker blood vessels that also bleed into the eye or create scarring. The bleeding, swelling, and scarring can weaken or interfere with vision.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Diabetic retinopathy is more common in people of African American, Hispanic, and south Asian descent.
Factors that may increase your risk of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Being diagnosed with diabetes at a young age
- Poorly-controlled diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Pregnancy
- Recent cataract surgery
- High blood pressure
Symptoms
Symptoms
Early diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can cause:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Reduction or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dark spots or the appearance of floating objects in one or both eyes
- Eye pressure or pain
- Difficulty seeing in dim light
- Sudden blindness (rare)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to an eye specialist. An eye exam will be done.
Images will be taken of your eye after dilation of your pupils. This can be done with:
- Fundus photography—an advanced digital photo of the retina
- Optical coherence tomography—light waves are used to take pictures of the retina
Treatment
Treatment
Early stages of the disease may not require eye treatment but management of blood glucose will help slow or stop damage. Your doctor will monitor your condition.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Managing Diabetes
Proper management of blood glucose levels can help slow or stop damage in the eye. Management can include:
- Following a diet to control your blood glucose
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Regularly testing your blood glucose levels
Medications
Your eye doctor may advise medications to reduce the damage to your eye such as:
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections into your eye to improve oxygen levels in the retina tissue
- Steroid injection into the eye to slow inflammation and damage
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to help slow or stop the progression on the retinopathy. Surgical treatments may include:
- Laser treatment—a laser is used to shrink abnormal blood vessels or to stop or slow leaks
- Vitrectomy—blood vessels and/or scar tissue are removed from the middle of the eye (vitreous) and replaced with a clear solution
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting diabetic retinopathy:
- Manage your diabetes.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels.
- Have regular blood glucose testing done as advised by your doctor.
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
- Have your eyes examined as advised by your eye specialist.
RESOURCES:
American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy?sso=y
Accessed August 11, 2015.
Diabetic retinopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 1, 2015. Accessed August 11, 2015.
Diabetic retinopathy. University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center website. Available at:
http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/conditions/diabetic.retinopathy.html
Accessed August 11, 2015.
Facts about diabetic retinopathy. National Eye Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp
Updated June 2012. Accessed August 11, 2015.
What is diabetic retinopathy? Eye Smart—American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at:
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/diabetic-retinopathy/index.cfm
Updated September 1, 2013. Accessed August 11, 2015.
Eye complications. American Diabetes Association website. Available at:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/eye-complications/
Updated November 1, 2013. Accessed August 11, 2015.
Last Updated: 8/12/2015