What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels supplying the retina, leading to leakage of fluid and swelling of the retina (macular oedema). This swelling causes blurred central vision.
Additionally, abnormal blood vessels can form on the surface of the retina, leading to bleeding into the eye and sudden visual loss. The duration of diabetes is a strong risk factor for diabetic retinopathy, and it is important for diabetic patients to have regular eye examinations.
Treatments
Injections of anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) medication into the eye can be used to treat swelling of the retina. These medications reduce the leakiness of retinal blood vessels, often stabilising or improving vision.
Retinal laser can also be used to improve retinal swelling, and also reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina.