10 Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy

I will be speaking to a local patient group regarding the implications of diabetic retinopathy later this week.  These are my “Top Ten” factoids about the eye disease.

Patients With Diabetes Need Annual Eye Exams

Without exception and at a minimum, both the AAO and AOA recommend that every patient with diabetes receive an annual eye exam.  The pupils must be dilated to allow proper examination of the retina.

It doesn’t matter if you take insulin or not.  The disease has no bias.

Diabetes Mellitus Affects the Retina

The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye.  It is the principle tissue in the eye targeted by diabetes.  Without a healthy retina, you can not see.  It is perhaps the most important structure of the eye.

Diabetic Retinopathy May be Asymptomatic

Diabetic retinopathy is a slowly progressive disease.  The key to saving vision is early diagnosis and before there are any symptoms of blurred or decreased vision.  Don’t let good vision fool you into thinking there is nothing wrong with your eyes!

Good Sugar Control Does NOT Prevent the Disease

There is nothing to prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.  While sugar control may slow the development of the disease, there is no proof that it will actually prevent the disease.  Most doctors and patients are unaware of this one fact.

Diabetic Retinopathy Can Cause Blindness

While diabetic retinopathy can cause a spectrum of vision loss, true blindness is quite rare.  In fact, fewer than 1% of patients with diabetes will sustain “significant” vision loss in their lifetime.

In other words, blindness may be prevented most of the time, but early detection and treatment is essential.

Ophthalmologist or Optometrist Doesn’t Matter

In my opinion, not shared by many of my colleagues, I don’t think it matters if you are examined by an ophthalmologist (M.D.) or optometrist (O.D.).  In my experience, most eye doctors are able to identify/recognize diabetic retinopathy.  You should then be referred to a retinal specialist.

Diabetic retinopathy has a characteristic appearance that can be recognized easily.

Retinal Specialists Treat Retinal Disease

Okay, no kidding, but my point is that there are many ways to treat diabetic retinopathy.  While you may not be examined regularly by a retina specialist, you should evaluated by a retinal specialist once the disease is diagnosed.

There are so many treatments available to you at this time to improve or stabilize your condition.

Every Patient With Diabetes Will Develop the Disease

I have seen very few patients with diabetes over 30 years that are lucky enough not to have developed the disease.  I think it is safe to say that most will develop the disease and I tell all my patients to expect the diabetic retinopathy to develop.

Why?  If you expect the disease to develop, you are most likely going to have regular exams.  If you expect the disease to develop, then you get rid of the “denial” and seek proper medical treatment.  Also, by expecting to develop the disease, you won’t feel disappointed in yourself for failing to take better care of your health.

Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

There are only two “stages” that require treatment.  Swelling in the macular area is called macular edema.  Macular edema causes blurry vision.  Most diabetic patients get this form.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) affects fewer patients, but can lead to blindness if not treated.

Both macular edema and PDR may occur simultaneously.

anti-VEGF, Laser, Steroids and Vitrectomy for Diabetic Retinopathy

We now have an array of treatments depending on the stage and severity.  Regardless of the treatment, early detection gives you the best prognosis for maintaining your vision!