Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body is unable to process it properly. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Diabetes can affect children and adults.

Signs & Symptoms

The effect of diabetic retinopathy on vision varies widely depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stage of background retinopathy there are usually no symptoms. Some common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are listed below, however, diabetes may cause other eye symptoms.

• Blurred vision (due to blood sugar levels)
• Floaters
• Sudden loss of vision

Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, but the effect of diabetes on the retina is the main threat to vision. Most patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately 20 years. The effect of diabetes on the eye is called Diabetic Retinopathy.

Over time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina. The earliest phase of the disease is known as background diabetic retinopathy. In this phase, the arteries in the retina become weakened and leak, forming small, dot-like haemorrhages. These leaking vessels often lead to swelling or oedema in the retina and decreased vision.

We offer an extensive range of clinical services for patients with retinal problems, please contact us for more information.