Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular complication of diabetes mellitus that leads to complete blindness. This condition develops in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus as a result of increased fragility of the blood vessels of the eye.
Vascular changes in diabetes mellitus typically begin to appear 5–10 years after the onset of the disease; after 10–15 years, more than 85% of patients suffer from retinopathy.
The danger of this condition lies in the possibility of haemorrhage into the retina and vitreous cavity, and retinal oedema — both of which lead to significant deterioration of visual acuity and blindness.
Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
Patients with early-stage diabetic retinopathy very often experience no ocular symptoms at all. Intermittent blurring of vision or the appearance of "floaters" before the eyes may occur. Visual acuity deterioration only becomes apparent when significant fundus changes are already present.
For timely detection of the condition and effective treatment of diabetic retinopathy, we recommend an ophthalmological examination no later than 2–3 years after the diagnosis of diabetes has been established. The ophthalmological examination includes a visual acuity check, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus examination using a Goldman lens, and optical coherence tomography.
Subsequently, where no diabetic retinopathy is present, examinations should be conducted at least once a year. When signs of the condition are present — once every six months, or more frequently where necessary.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy
We treat patients with diabetic retinopathy using a comprehensive approach, involving not only ophthalmologists but other specialists as well.
Methods we employ:
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment (normalisation of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides) allows diabetes to be effectively managed and any possible complications to be minimised.
Intravitreal drug administration
Where neovascularisation is present, we use intravitreal administration of drugs to reduce the number of new vessels and thereby their fragility and the risk of haemorrhage.
Laser retinal photocoagulation
Where retinal haemorrhages are present, we perform laser retinal photocoagulation, which also helps to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Laser vitreolysis
Patients with diabetes mellitus frequently complain of floating opacities before the eyes in the form of "floaters," threads, or spots. To address these complaints, we recommend laser vitreolysis.
