OPHTHALMIC CONDITIONS
Retinopathy
Οne of the most significant eye conditions
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is in fact a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in blood (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period. The human body essentially either produces insufficient (or no) insulin or uses insulin ineffectively. Insulin is a special hormone secreted by the pancreas, that is necessary for cells to absorb and use glucose as an energy source. Insulin deficiency leads to complications. Diabetes can affect vision, causing a range of eye conditions.
What exactly is diabetic retinopathy?
One of the most significant eye conditions affecting the retina and arising as a complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Chronic hyperglycemia (diabetes) causes alterations in the retinal blood vessels (the light – sensitive layer at the posterior segment of the eye). In diabetic patients, those vessels may leak (hemorrhage) and develop micro – occlusions, leading to the formation of abnormal new blood vessels. The new vessels cause bleeding within the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive condition and must be treated early; otherwise the consequences for vision are severe.
What are the stages of diabetic retinopathy?
There are 2 main types of diabetic retinopathy:
Non – proliferative (substratum) retinopathy: This is the early stage of the disease, where retinal blood vessels leak blood or fluid. Blood elements result in swelling (thickening) of the retina with the formation of deposits (exudates).
Proliferative (hyperplastic) retinopathy: Abnormal new blood vessels develop on the retina, due to extensive blockage (ischemia) of the normal retinal vessels, reducing blood supply to the photoreceptors. Retina’s reaction to reduced blood supply conditions is by forming abnormal new vessels in ischemic areas.
What are the main symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an insidious ophthalmic condition, and it is considered the scourge of our times, as it increasingly appears in younger ages. The main symptoms include:
Consecutive alterations in vision
Floaters
Photopsia (flashes of light)
Disturbing dark spots (shadows) in parts of the visual field
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
The extent of the damage essentially dictates the treatment approach. Modern treatment methods include the following:
Cryotherapy
Surgical intervention: posterior vitrectomy procedure
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