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Diabetic Retinopathy
Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder of the glucose metabolism when the body cannot cope normally with sugar in the diet. It affects 1 in 50 people in the UK. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, juvenile or early-onset, which is controlled by insulin injections; Type 2, adult or late-onset, which is usually controlled by a combination of either diet or tablets or both. Diabetes can cause complications which affect different parts of the body. Both types affect the eyes in the same way. However, sight is not necessarily affected, especially if blood sugar levels and blood pressure are rigidly controlled, but there is a higher risk.

How can Diabetes affect the eye?

Whilst the blood sugar levels are first being brought under control, patients may experience blurred vision due to the temporary (and painless) swelling of the lens (just behind the iris and pupil). This will soon clear. The major risk in diabetes is the development of diabetic retinopathy which is the most common cause of blindness in people of working age in the Western world. It cannot be overstated that with strict control of sugar levels and equally importantly blood pressure this is largely avoidable.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

This is the most serious diabetic eye condition which affects the retina. Most commonly, in the early stages small haemorrhages occur within the retina which are usually no threat to sight provided they are not in the central retina (background diabetic retinopathy). These are caused by leaky capillaries. If this progresses due to poor diabetic control the central retina can be affected which will reduce vision (diabetic maculopathy). Sometimes in advanced cases the blood vessels become blocked and new weaker vessels form which may lead to severe reduction of sight due to the development of scar tissue and retinal detachment (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). Further complications can include cataracts and secondary glaucoma. ALMOST ALL OF THE ABOVE, ESPECIALLY THE LATER STAGES, ARE AVOIDABLE IF THE DIABETES AND BLOOD PRESSURE IS STRICLY MONITORED AND CONTROLLED.

What is the treatment?

The most important thing to remember is that careful, honest and strict maintenance of normal blood sugar levels and normal blood pressure prevent the development of long-term eye complications. If diabetic retinopathy develops, laser treatment to seal the leaking blood vessels may be possible. This type of treatment will only prevent further loss of sight as opposed to improving it. Most sight loss from diabetic retinopathy can be avoided but it is vital that it is diagnosed as early as possible. Therefore planned follow-up with effective surveillance for complications is essential in the form of regular eye examinations.