VITREO RETINAL SERVICES
 
MEDICAL RETINA
Diabetic Retinopathy
     A person with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy among other ophthalmic disorders. Diabetic retinopathy is basically a micro angiopathy affecting the retinal blood vessels leading to occlusion and leakage. As a result of this, there is reduced blood supply to the retina. Due to leaking blood vessels, haemorrhages and fluid accumulation in the retina can occur. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater their chance of developing diabetic retinopathy. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy:
 
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)
 
     NPDR, also known as background retinopathy, is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy and occurs when the tiny blood vessels of the retina are damaged and begin to bleed or leak fluid into the retina resulting in swelling (diabetic macular edema) and the formation of deposits known as exudates. Many people with diabetes develop mild NPDR often without any visual symptoms.
PDR carries the greatest risk of loss of vision and typically develops in eyes with advanced NPDR. PDR occurs when blood vessels on the retina or optic nerve become blocked consequently starving the retina of necessary nutrients. In response, the retina grows new blood vessels (neovascularization). Unfortunately these new vessels are abnormal and cannot replenish the retina with normal blood flow.
 
PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY DISORDERS
PDR may lead to any one of the following:
1.
Vitreous hemorrhage - proliferating retinal blood vessels grow into the vitreous cavity and break down. Both the hemorrhaging and resultant scar tissue may interfere with vision.
2.
Tractional retinal detachment - scar tissue in the vitreous and on the retina cause the retina to detach.
3.
Tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment - scar tissue creates a hole or tear in the retina causing it to detach.
4.
Neovascular glaucoma - abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris blocks the flow of fluid out of the eye causing the pressure to increase and damaging the optic nerve.
 
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

     Generally, people with mild NPDR do not have any visual loss. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect changes inside the eye before loss of vision begins. People with diabetes should have an eye examination at least twice a year. More frequent exams may be necessary after diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed.

     People with PDR experience a broader range of symptoms. They may see dark floaters, experience loss of central or peripheral vision, experience visual distortions or blurriness, experience temporary or permanent vision loss.

 

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