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Diabetic retinopathy Causes and Risks:
Diabetic retinopathy is a cause of blindness . People with both noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The incidence and severity of the retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes and appears to be worse if control of the diabetes is poor in the first years of onset. Almost all people who have had diabetes for more than 30 years will show signs of retinal damage. Blacks and women with diabetes are at higher risk of developing retinopathy. Hemorrhage and swelling, leaking of fluid into the retina , and new growth of blood vessels within the eye can occur and contribute to the loss of vision .
Prevention:
Adequate control of diabetes and control of high blood pressure , if present, may slow the progression of retinopathy .
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
control of diabetes and associated high blood pressure is the aim of treatment. Such treatment usually does not reverse existing damage but may slow the progression of the disease. Laser surgery may be indicated to control scar tissue or bleeding. Surgical treatment (vitrectomy) is used if cases of hemorrhage into the vitreous occurs, with or without retinal detachment .
A routine eye examination by an ophthalmologist once per year is indicated for people with diabetes.
Prognosis:
The outcome may be improved by good control of diabetes and high blood pressure . Vision impairment usually becomes evident after 10 years and is nearly universal in people who have diabetes mellitus for more than 30 years. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness .
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have diabetes mellitus and you have not seen an ophthalmologist since diagnosis.
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