Diabetic retinopathy is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes
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Useful information about diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is another complication of diabetes that can affect vision. In this condition, blood and fluid leaks into the macula, the small central area located at the back of the eye responsible for providing detailed, “straight-ahead” vision. As a result, central vision can gradually become distorted and blurred.
Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease is critical for recovering and maintaining a good level of vision.
Because diabetic retinopathy does not always present with symptoms it is important for all diabetic patients to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease is often associated with a better outlook for vision over the long-term. Testing and screening for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema may include
- Vision testing
- Examination of your retina using a special microscope. Often, dilating drops that blur your vision for 2-3 hours are used and it is usually recommended that you do not drive during this time period
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional imaging of the macula and can be used to detect diabetic macular oedema (DME)
- Retinal photography
- Fluorescein angiography is sometimes required. This is where fluorescein dye is used to identify abnormal blood vessels in the retina
The risk of developing vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy increases with longer duration of diabetes and poor glucose control. The frequency of eye examinations therefore varies from person to person.
Early or mild diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema may not necessarily require treatment. Ensuring that the blood sugar levels are well-controlled can lower the risk of progression to more severe diabetic eye disease. Our doctors will communicate and work with your general practitioner and/or endocrinologist to try and optimise control of your diabetes as well as other aspects of your general health.
Development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema often requires treatment to prevent significant vision loss. Treatment options include laser, medication injected into the eye and surgery. Laser is a non-invasive and painless outpatient treatment that is performed in the clinic. Sometimes, several sessions of laser are required to complete treatment.1Uofmhealth.org. 2021. Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy | Michigan Medicine. [online] Available at: <https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tf4075> [Accessed 24 June 2021].
Eye injections are performed with copious anaesthetic eye drops and are a painless procedure that can be performed in the clinic or in a Day Surgery.2American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2021. Do Injections Into the Eye Hurt?. [online] Available at: <https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/do-eye-injections-hurt> [Accessed 24 June 2021].
Surgery is usually reserved for very severe diabetic eye disease, such as when there has been a significant haemorrhage into the eye from abnormal blood vessels.
Who is at risk of Diabetic Retinopathy?
All patients with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema (DME). The risk of developing disease increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control
Does Diabetic Retinopathy need treatment?
Early or mild diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema may not necessarily require treatment. Ensuring that the blood sugar levels are well-controlled can lower the risk of progression to more severe diabetic eye disease. Our doctors will communicate and work with your general practitioner and/or endocrinologist to try and optimise control of your diabetes as well as other aspects of your general health.
If treatment is required, options include laser, injections of medication into the eye, and surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you which of these treatments are most appropriate for you.
How do I know if I have Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy does not always present with symptoms and it is therefore important for all diabetic patients to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease is often associated with a better outlook for vision over the long-term.
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Links to authoritative resources on diabetic retinopathy
Our Brisbane eye specialists
We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eye health and vision outcomes
Dr. Matthew Russell, MBChB, FRANZCO
Brisbane Eye Surgeon
I am a specialist ophthalmic microsurgeon, internationally trained retinal surgeon, medical retinal diseases specialist, and cataract surgeon. With a career that spans over 15 years, I have mastered the ability to achieve precise results with the aim of helping patients regain their confidence and youthful energy.
Dr Judy Ku, MBChB, FRANZCO
Specialist ophthalmic surgeon
I am a specialist in glaucoma, cornea & external diseases and cataract surgery. I am passionate about assisting my patients to achieve their full visual potential. I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to restore sight and to improve people’s quality of life.