Diabetic Retinopathy

Diagnosis and treatment

People with diabetes can have multiple alterations at the ocular level, the most common being the involvement of the retina, called diabetic retinopathy.

Why does diabetic retinopathy occur?

With the passage of time, high glucose levels damage the blood vessels of the eye causing vascular leaks, hemorrhages and damage to the retina; Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can cause a significant decrease in vision, leading to blindness.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, flies or floating points, sudden and profound visual loss.

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss.
People with diabetes should see an ophthalmologist at least once a year, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

Depending on the stage of diabetic retinopathy, the best treatment will be decided, with good diabetes control being of sum importance. In cases of proliferative or advanced diabetic retinopathy, the application of laser photocoagulation is necessary; In cases of macular edema it is necessary to apply medications intraocularly. If diabetic retinopathy is very advanced, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary.

It is necessary to periodically check the ocular fundus to detect early any damage that may exist in the retina in people with diabetes; Early detection is the key to treatment.