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Medical & Surgical Retina |
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| Medical & Surgical Retina | Diabetic Retinopathy. |
Diabetics mellitus is a condition which impairs the body’s ability to use and store sugar. The past two decades have seen a explosive increase in the incidence of diabetes in India, which has the largest number of diabetics in the world today. The prevalence if the disease in the urban population has increased to 12.1 per cent in 2001 from a low 2.3 per cent in 1970.
This increased incidence of diabetes and its complications has been attributed to change in life style caused by increased urbanization, high calorie diet, decreased physical activity and stress. Another cause for concern is that diabetes is striking at n early age among the urban population.
Moreover, it’s not just the disease itself that is cause for concern. Diabetics are also 25 times more likely to develop blindness, twice as likely to have a stroke, 2-4 times more likely to develop kidney disease or undergo amputation.
Diabetics are also at high risk for eye complications, the most common one being diabetic retinopathy.
Q. What is diabetic retinopathy ?
A. it is an advanced stage of the disease process in which the blood vessels in the retina are damaged and leak fluid or blood. It has been seen that 25 per cent of all diabetics develop this complication after 10 years of diabetes [ diabetes since childhood] are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy at a younger age. Diabetics also have a higher incidence of cataract and glaucoma and those with poorly controlled blood sugar and blood pressure are at a higher risk of losing vision.
Q. what are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
A. Early diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms. Gradual blurring of vision may occur of 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 of the optic nerve. These vessels have weak walls and leak blood out into the retina and vitreous [jelly that fills most of the eye]. Presence of blood in the path of light entering the eye blocks vision.
Q. How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
A. a complete eye examination is required for the detection of diabetic retinopathy. The retina of the eye examined using an instrument called the indirect ophthalmoscope after dilating the pupils. If diabetic retinopathy is found, a special test called fluorescein angiography may be performed where a dye is injected in the vein and photographs of the retina are taken.
Q. How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
A. in early cases only regular follow-up may be necessary. More advanced cases requires treatment to control the damage of diabetic retinopathy and improve sight. 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.
Vitrectomy – In the event of the patient presenting with very advanced diabetic retinopathy, a microsurgical 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. Vitrectomy surgery is then performed to reattach the retina.
Q. How to prevent visual loss in diabetes?
A. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy and timely laser treatment is the best protection against loss of vision. Diabetics must have their eyes examined regularly. Our diabetic clinic is designed towards providing regular preventive care as well as follow-up for patients with established diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, all diabetics must maintain control of blood sugar and blood pressure and follow a regular exercise regime and healty diet.
The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic
Our centers run clinics for the special purpose of preserving sight in sight-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy
1. Diabetes needs regular follows-up since the condition can lead to a dramatic loss of vision if poorly treated or neglected.
2. Various factors govern the rate of progression of your condition. It is therefore necessary to review your eye condition periodically even after the present condition has been treated.
3. The patients receive specialized care provided by our diabetic retina specialists.
4. At each visit to the clinic, we check your vision, intraocular pressure, do a slit-lamp biomicroscopy and perform a detailed retinal examination with dilated pupils using an indirect ophthalmoscope. We record image on the advanced Visupac system and maintain records of your eye condition for comparison on following visits. We also monitor factors that control the progression of your eye condition such as diet, blood sugar levels, exercise blood pressure etc.
5. Perform special procedures like Fluorescein Angiography, Laser Photocogulation and Ultrasonography if required.
All diabetics must have the eyes examined regularly with dilated pupils. Juvenile diabetics must have their eyes examined atleast once a year after the age of 12 years because diabetics retinopathy is rarely known to occur before puberty. Those with diabetes at an older age must have the eye examination done once at the time of diagnosis and then at least every 6 months to one year thereafter. If Diabetic Retinopathy has been diagnosed, they should have the eyes examined as often as recommended by their eye doctor.
This leaflet is intended to provide general information for patients. We hope you have found it helpful. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any further question.
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Facilities available at Sushil eye hospital
1. Indirect ophthalmoscope : This equipments helps to see the retina thoroughly.
2. Slit lamp biorsicroscop with various lenses : Helps study minutes details of retina with the help of magnification
offered by slit lamp.
3. Funds fluoresce in angiography : Topcon (Japan) image net system wit the help of digital camera image of retina can be
clicked after injecting a dye. The report is delivered instantly. This helps to diagnose and treat various diseases like
diabetic retinopathy, macular edema etc.
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