Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Doctor Abu Dhabi - Dr Madhava Rao
Diabetic Retinopathy Facts
- Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects people with diabetes.
- Treatment options include laser therapy, injections, and surgery to prevent vision loss and preserve eye health.
- Managing diabetes through proper diet, exercise, medication, and regular monitoring can help prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Madhava Rao, our renowned eye doctor Abu Dhabi, recommends regular eye examinations for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy poses a significant threat to vision and is a complication of diabetes arising from elevated blood sugar levels damaging the retina, located at the back of the eye. Diabetes disrupts the body’s sugar utilization and storage mechanisms, leading to excessive sugar in the bloodstream, which can induce widespread damage, including to ocular structures.
Over time, the condition harms small blood vessels, including those in the retina, resulting in leakage of blood and fluids. This leakage causes swelling of retinal tissue, leading to impaired vision characterized by cloudiness or blurriness. Without prompt diagnosis and intervention, diabetic retinopathy can progress to blindness.
What causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy stems from diabetes-induced harm to the tiny blood vessels within the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment:
- Fluid leakage into the macula, the retina's central vision area responsible for sharp detail and colour perception, can occur. Despite its small size, the macula plays a crucial role in visual acuity. Fluid accumulation causes macular swelling, resulting in blurry vision.
- In response to compromised blood flow in the retina, the formation of new blood vessels on its surface may ensue. These delicate, irregular vessels have a tendency to leak blood into the eye's posterior segment, obstructing vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy can develop without apparent symptoms, particularly in its initial phases. However, as the condition progresses, various symptoms may manifest, including:
- Increased presence of floaters in your vision
- Blurred vision
- Fluctuating vision clarity, alternating between blurry and clear
- Noticing blank or dark spots in your visual field
- Impaired night vision
- Diminished vibrancy or saturation of colours
- Gradual loss of vision
Various Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Our retina relies on a consistent blood supply delivered through a network of minute blood vessels.
Over time, prolonged elevation of blood sugar levels can harm these vessels, progressing through three primary stages (for public to understand easily):
Stage 1
Background retinopathy: Characterized by the formation of small bulges in the blood vessels, potentially leading to minor bleeding but typically not affecting vision.
Stage 2
Pre-proliferative retinopathy: Involves more severe and widespread changes in the blood vessels, including heightened instances of bleeding into the eye.
Stage 3
Proliferative retinopathy: Marks the development of scar tissue and fragile new blood vessels on the retina, prone to bleeding and potentially causing some vision loss.
As per our eye specialist, early detection of ocular issues enables lifestyle adjustments and apt diabetic retinopathy treatment in Abu Dhabi.
Diagnosis
Diabetic retinopathy is typically diagnosed through a thorough eye examination.
For the evaluation of the condition, our eye doctor Abu Dhabi focuses on examining the retina and macula and may conduct the following assessments:
- Reviewing the patient's medical history to identify any vision issues, diabetes diagnosis, and other health factors impacting vision.
- Conducting visual acuity tests to gauge central vision impairment.
- Performing refraction tests to determine the need for updated eyeglass prescriptions.
- Assessing ocular structures, including the retina, following pupil dilation.
- Measuring intraocular pressure to monitor eye health.
- Additional eye testing in Abu Dhabi, measures may encompass:
- Utilizing retinal photography or tomography to document the current retinal condition.
- Employing fluorescein angiography to examine abnormal blood vessel growth.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy curable?
Self-Prevention
To mitigate the risk of diabetic retinopathy or its progression, consider:
- Being vigilant about your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and managing cholesterol levels diligently.
- Adhering to prescribed diabetes medications consistently.
- Attending scheduled screening appointments as recommended.
- Seeking prompt medical attention upon observing any vision alterations.
- Sustaining a healthy weight, adhering to a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
Medicinal Treatment
Intravitreal injections in Abu Dhabi, of Anti-VEGF medications- injectio into vitreous cavity, drugs like Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept) Eylea, Faricimab (Vabysmo), Eylea HD (Aflibercept 8mg) is form of treatment. It aids in reducing macular swelling, potentially slowing vision loss and enhancing vision. Administered via injections into the eye, this medication is recommended by your eye doctor, who determines the required frequency over time based on examination and central retinal scans.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery may be utilized to seal leaking blood vessels, diminishing retinal swelling and preventing vessel regrowth. Multiple sessions might be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Surgical Intervention
Our eye doctor Abu Dhabi, may opt for surgery depending on the severity of your diabetic retinopathy or in case conventional medical treatments haven’t worked.
Vitrectomy
In cases of advanced diabetic retinopathy, vitrectomy surgery may be advised by our ophthalmologist. This procedure involves removing vitreous gel and blood from leaky vessels, facilitating proper focusing of light rays on the retina and potentially removing scar tissue.
The primary aim of treatment is to impede the disease’s progression. In the early stages, regular monitoring may suffice. Adhering to dietary and exercise recommendations and managing blood sugar levels are crucial in controlling disease advancement.
Looking for Diabetic Retinopathy treatment in Abu Dhabi? Contact Dr. Madhava Rao
Are you diabetic and experiencing blurred vision or facing constant issues with your eyesight? Then, look no further and contact our eye expert Dr. Madhava Rao. With several years of expertise and dedication, Dr. Madhav offers comprehensive care with innovative solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek help before your vision is compromised. Reach out to Burjeel hospital eye specialist Dr. Madhava today for expert guidance and compassionate support on your journey to better eye health.
Fellowships & Memberships
Accolades - Your Eyes are in Award-winning Hands
Ophthalmologist Education Award
A testament to Dr. Rao's commitment to advancing ophthalmic education and sharing knowledge with the next generation of eye care professionals.
International Ophthalmology Scholar Award
Recognizing his significant contributions to the global ophthalmology community, this award highlights Dr. Rao's role in enhancing the understanding and treatment of eye diseases worldwide.
