Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and is a leading cause of permanent vision loss. Uncontrolled diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise resulting in damage to the small blood vessels supplying our kidneys (nephropathy), peripheral nerves (neuropathy), and eyes (retinopathy). The eye is the only organ in the body in which we can directly visualize this damage.

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through two main stages: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). The latter is heralded by the growth of new blood vessels on the surface of the retina or optic nerve (i.e., neovascularization) that can bleed and ultimately lead to tractional retinal detachment. At any stage of diabetic retinopathy the damaged blood vessels that supply the center part of the retina (i.e., macula) can leak resulting in Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). Both DME and PDR can result in permanent vision loss and require treatment. The mainstays of treatment include intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, intravitreal steroid therapy, laser photocoagulation, and/or surgery. The decision regarding treatment is individualized according to each patient’s severity and duration of disease. Blood sugar and blood pressure control are paramount in preventing complications of diabetic retinopathy.