Diabeticheskaya retinopathy
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Retinopathy – damage to the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, called retin-a. Diabeticheskaya retinopathy – damage to blood vessels in the retina, caused by diabetes.
Causes of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes increases the level of glucose in the blood. With time, This excess glucose can damage the small blood vessels throughout the body. Blood vessels in the retina are very sensitive to this type of damage.
High blood glucose levels can cause bloating, leak or blockage of blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Damage to blood vessels can lead to deterioration of neighbouring vessels, their leak, cause scarring. Bleeding and scarring can impair vision, loosen it or even lead to blindness.
Risk factors of diabetic retinopathy
Factors, that can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include:
- Diabetes more 4 years;
- Poorly controlled diabetes;
- High blood pressure.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
In early diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms. With time,in the development of diabetic retinopathy, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision;
- Double vision;
- Decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes;
- Dark spots;
- Pressure or pain in the eyes.
Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The patient may be referred to an optometrist, for a detailed survey of vision.
To run pictures of the retina can be assigned the following procedures:
- Fundus photography;
- Optical coherence tomography.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy
In the early stages of the disease, perhaps, eyes do not need treatment, but managing the blood glucose levels to help slow or stop the damage of retinal vessels. The doctor will monitor the vessels and sight.
Consult your doctor about the best method of treatment for you plan of treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Methods of treatment include:
Control of blood glucose levels
Control of blood glucose can help slow or stop the damage to the blood vessels of the eye. Glucose level may include:
- Dieting, to monitor the level of glucose in the blood;
- Maintaining a healthy weight;
- Regular exercise and sports;
- Regular blood glucose testing.
Medicinal preparations for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Eye doctor may advise taking medications, to reduce damage to the eye. Featured drugs may include:
- Injection of vascular endothelial growth factor Blocker (anti-FRÈS, anti-VEGF) in the eyes, to increase the level of oxygen in the retina tissue;
- Steroid injections in the eye, to slow down inflammation and damage to blood vessels.
Surgery for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
In some cases it may be recommended surgery, to help slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Surgical treatment may include:
- Laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy – laser is used, to destroy the abnormal blood vessels, or stop or slow blood leak;
- Vytrэktomyya – vitreous body, blood vessels and/or scar tissue removed from the inside of the eye and replaced with transparent artificial solution, polymer or other transparent material.
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy
To reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy:
- Control the level of glucose in the blood;
- Spend regular measurement of blood sugar levels, as prescribed by the doctor;
- Monitor blood pressure and blood cholesterol;
- If you smoke, Talk to your doctor about, how to throw.