What causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high levels of blood sugar damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps you see.
The exact cause of diabetic retinopathy is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors.
Some of the key factors that contribute to diabetic retinopathy include:
- High blood sugar: High blood sugar levels over time can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, and eventually blockage.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina.
- High blood lipids: High levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids can also contribute to damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
- Duration of diabetes: The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
- Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing diabetic retinopathy.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet can also contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.
It’s important for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and blood lipids through proper management and to receive regular eye exams to detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy early on.
Frequently Asked Questions | Diabetic Eye Disease
People with diabetes (types 1 and 2) are at increased risk of eye problems and vision loss. Please find below a list of frequently asked questions relating to Diabetic Eye Disease. This is a guide only, with any advice, or if you have concerns, please discuss with your general practitioner or eye specialist.
Q: What is diabetic eye disease?
A: Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma.
Q: How does diabetes affect the eyes?
A: Diabetes can affect the eyes in several ways. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can also cause fluid to leak into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, causing diabetic macular edema. In addition, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.
Q: What are the symptoms of diabetic eye disease?
A: In the early stages, diabetic eye disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include blurred or distorted vision, floaters, eye pain or pressure, and difficulty seeing at night.
Q: Who is at risk of developing diabetic eye disease?
A: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Other risk factors include poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of smoking.
Q: How is diabetic eye disease diagnosed?
A: Diabetic eye disease is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and a test to measure eye pressure. Your eye doctor may also use special instruments to examine the retina and detect any signs of damage.
Q: Can diabetic eye disease be prevented?
A: While there is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetic eye disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining good blood sugar control, controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and getting regular eye exams.
Q: How is diabetic eye disease treated?
A: Treatment for diabetic eye disease depends on the specific condition and severity of the damage. Options may include laser treatment to seal leaky blood vessels, medication to reduce inflammation and swelling, surgery to remove cataracts or repair retinal detachment, or injections to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels. It is important to note that early detection and treatment can help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic eye disease.
Q: How often should people with diabetes get an eye exam?
A: Diabetes Australia recommends that people with diabetes get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams depending on your individual needs and risk factors.