•Dr Priscilia Imade
Another type of avoidable blindness is the one caused by diabetes. People living with diabetes are prone to developing diabetic retinopathy if they do not pay attention to eyecare while managing their blood sugar issues.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by diabetes that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision.
The retina works like a camera film, capturing light and sending signals to the brain. When blood sugar levels remain high over time, they weaken and damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels may leak fluid, bleed, or become blocked, leading to distorted or lost vision.
FACTS ABOUT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
1) Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide.
2) It can affect anyone living with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2.
3) The longer you have diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, the higher your risk.
4) Early stages often have no symptoms, making regular eye checks essential.
5) If left untreated, it can progress to permanent vision loss.
6) The rising burden of diabetes in Nigeria means more people are at risk of this condition.
7) Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can significantly reduce risk.
8) Vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is largely preventable with early detection and treatment.
TYPES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
This is the early stage and often has no symptoms. Small blood vessels in the retina weaken, forming tiny bulges (microaneurysms) that may leak fluid.
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
This is the advanced stage. New abnormal blood vessels grow (a process known as Neovascularization). These vessels are fragile and can bleed into the eye, causing severe vision problems.
RISK FACTORS
You are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy if you have:
* Poorly controlled blood sugar
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol
* Long-standing diabetes
* Pregnancy (in diabetic women)
* Smoking habits
SYMPTOMS
Diabetic retinopathy can be silent at first, but as it progresses, symptoms may include:
– Blurry or fluctuating vision
– Difficulty seeing colors clearly
– Floaters (dark spots, strings, or cobweb-like shadows)
* Dark patches blocking parts of vision
* Poor night or day vision
* Sudden loss of vision in severe cases
* It typically affects both eyes.
Possible complications include, Vitreous Hemorrhage, Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma and Cataract.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease:
1) Good blood sugar control is the foundation of care.
3) Watchful monitoring in early stages (NPDR)
4) Laser treatment (photocoagulation) to seal leaking vessels
5) Injections into the eye to reduce abnormal vessel growth
6) Vitrectomy surgery to remove blood from the eye in advanced cases
PREVENTION
1) Go for regular comprehensive eye examinations, even if your vision seems fine.
2) Maintain optimal blood sugar levels
3) Control blood pressure and cholesterol
4) Do not skip your routine diabetes care
5) Encourage family members with diabetes to have yearly eye checks
CONCLUSION
Diabetic retinopathy is often called a “silent thief of sight.” By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may already have occurred.
Blindness from diabetic retinopathy is largely preventable. Early detection, proper medical care, and lifestyle discipline can preserve your vision for life.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
