Diabetic Retinopathy: Protect Your Vision Before It’s Lost
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels remain elevated over a prolonged period. This condition results either from insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or from the body’s inability to respond adequately to the insulin produced. Persistently high blood sugar can lead to vascular abnormalities that affect various organs throughout the body—including the eyes.
Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that may ultimately lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. Prolonged hyperglycemia damages the blood vessels in the retina, compromising its function and integrity.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two stages based on the severity of the condition:
- Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
In this early stage, the walls of the retinal blood vessels weaken, causing them to bulge (microaneurysms). These changes may lead to leakage of blood or fluid into the retina, resulting in swelling. While symptoms might be minimal in the early phase, leakage in the macular region can cause macular edema, adversely affecting vision. Additionally, vascular occlusion can lead to macular ischemia, potentially resulting in vision loss. - Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
In this advanced stage, significant vascular occlusion impairs normal blood circulation, leading to extensive retinal ischemia. The retina compensates by generating new blood vessels (neovascularization). However, these neovascular vessels are often underdeveloped with fragile walls that can easily rupture, causing hemorrhage into the vitreous humor. Fibrous proliferation may occur as well, which can pull on the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Moreover, if these new vessels interfere with the drainage of aqueous humor, intraocular pressure may increase, potentially damaging the optic nerve and causing neovascular glaucoma.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy might not present any noticeable symptoms, which can lead to a delay in detection. As the condition progresses, patients may experience:
- Floaters, such as spots or dark lines drifting across the field of vision
- Distorted or blurred vision
- Fluctuating visual acuity
- Difficulty distinguishing colors
- Dark spots in the visual field
- Loss of vision
Note: Some individuals may remain asymptomatic even in advanced stages.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic patients should undergo regular eye examinations—including dilated retinal evaluations—even if no visual symptoms are present. It is recommended to have at least one screening per year. After a dilated eye exam, patients might experience blurred vision for 4–6 hours; therefore, it is advised not to drive during this period and to have a companion available. If no abnormalities are detected, an annual examination is sufficient; however, if diabetic retinopathy is identified, more frequent monitoring or treatment may be necessary depending on the stage and severity of the condition.
Terms of Service for the Screening Package
- This pricing is valid from today until December 31, 2024.
- Services are provided at the ENT department on the 4th floor.
- The stated price includes both the physician’s fee and the service charge.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other marketing discounts.
- The hospital reserves the right to modify or change the price without prior notice.
For further details, please contact the ENT department on the 4th floor at 0-5505-1724 ext. 4103.
