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Shroff Eye Hospital

Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (USA) since 2006. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center. Shroff Eye has stood for excellence in eye care since 1919. A firm commitment to quality is at the heart of all services provided at our centers at Bandra(W) and Marine Drive, Mumbai.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy by Dr.Rahul A Shroff

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition which affects millions of Indians.
It impairs the body’s ability to use and store sugar. Elevated blood
sugar levels and excessive thirst and urination are the indicators of diabetes. It can affect vision by causing damage to the blood vessels of the retina, or a higher incidence of cataract and glaucoma.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

In advanced or long standing diabetic persons, the blood vessels in the retina are damaged and leak fluid or blood. The longer a person has diabetes, the more is the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Early diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms. Gradual blurring of vision may occur if fluid leaks in the central part of the retina (the macula). In late diabetic retinopathy (proliferative stage), new abnormal blood vessels begin growing on the surface of the retina or the optic nerve. These vessels have weak walls and leak blood out into the retina and vitreous (the jelly that fills most of the eye). Presence of blood in the path of light entering the eye blocks vision, resulting in impaired vision or vision loss.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosed?

A complete eye examination is required for the detection of diabetic retinopathy. We perform a painless examination of the retina using an instrument called the indirect ophthalmoscope after dilating the pupils. If diabetic retinopathy is found, a special test called fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) may be performed where a dye is injected in the vein and photographs of the retina are taken to pin point or locate the areas of leakages.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?

Laser treatment

Laser photocoagulation involves the focusing of a powerful beam of laser light on the damaged retina to seal leaking retinal blood vessels and stop abnormal blood vessel (neovascularization) growth.

Surgery

Vitrectomy – In the event of the patient presenting with very advanced diabetic retinopathy, a surgical procedure known as vitrectomy is recommended. Blood-filled vitreous gel of the eye is replaced with a clear solution to aid in restoring vision. Sometimes the retina may also be detached and then the surgery involves reattaching the retina as well.

How to prevent visual loss in Diabetes?

Prevention of diabetic retinopathy and accompanying visual loss is a team effort involving the patient and our diabetic eye specialist. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against loss of vision. All diabetics must have their retinas examined at least once a year.

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