Download Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy
Norma Maddox
Donna
Charlotte
Diabetic Retinopathy
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Diabetic retinopathy is a term used for all the
abnormalities of the small blood vessels of
the retina caused by diabetes, such as
weakening of blood vessel walls or leakage
from blood vessels.
Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of
diabetes that results from damage to the
blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at
the back of the eye (retina).
Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy affect anyone who has
type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Up to 45
percent of adults diagnosed with diabetes in
the United States have some degree of
diabetic retinopathy, according to the
National Eye Institute. The longer a patient
has diabetes, the more likely they are to
develop diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinopathy progresses from nonproliferative or background retinopathy to
proliferative retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-proliferative retinopathy is a common,
usually mild form that generally does not
interfere with vision. Abnormalities are limited
to the retina and usually will only interfere
with vision if it involves the macula. If left
untreated it can progress to proliferative
retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative retinopathy, the more serious
form, occurs when new blood vessels branch
out or proliferate in and around the retina. It
can cause bleeding into the fluid-filled center
of the eye or swelling of the retina, and lead
to blindness.
Stage 1 of Diabetic Retinopathy
Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy.
At this earliest stage, microaneurysms occur. They
are small areas of balloon-like swelling in the
retina's tiny blood vessels.
Stage 2

Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy.
As the disease progresses, some blood vessels that
nourish the retina are blocked.
Stage 3

Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
Many more blood vessels are blocked, depriving
several areas of the retina with their blood supply.
These areas of the retina send signals to the body to
grow new blood vessels for nourishment.
Stage 4

Proliferative Retinopathy.
At this advanced stage, the signals sent by the retina for
nourishment trigger the growth of new blood vessels
which are abnormal and fragile. They grow along the
retina and along the surface of the clear, vitreous gel
that fills the inside of the eye. By themselves, these
blood vessels do not cause symptoms or vision loss.
However, they have thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood,
severe vision loss and even blindness can result.
Functional Implications

As the condition progresses, diabetic retinopathy
symptoms may include
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Spots floating in your vision
Blurred vision
Dark streaks or a red film that blocks your vision
Poor night vision
Vision loss
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
Treatment


Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends
on the type of diabetic retinopathy, its
severity and how well it may respond to
specific treatments.
Early diabetic retinopathy
Physician closely monitors

Advanced diabetic retinopathy
Requires prompt surgical treatment.
Laser Treatments for Advanced
Disease

Focal laser treatment
This laser treatment, known as photocoagulation,
can stop the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. It
is done in a doctor's office or eye clinic. During the
procedure, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are
sealed with laser burns. If vision is blurred from
swelling of the central macula before surgery,
however, completely normal vision may not occur.
Laser Treatments for Advanced
Disease

Scatter laser treatment
This laser treatment, also known as panretinal
photocoagulation, can shrink the abnormal blood
vessels. It is done in a doctor's office or eye clinic.
During the procedure, the areas of the retina away
from the macula are treated with scattered laser
burns. The burns cause the new blood vessels to
shrink and disappear. Vision will be blurry for about
a day after the procedure. Some loss of peripheral
vision or night vision after the procedure is possible.
Laser Treatments for Advanced
Disease

Vitrectomy
This procedure can be used to remove blood from the center of
the eye and scar tissue that is tugging on the retina. It is done in
a hospital under local or general anesthesia. The doctor makes a
tiny incision in the eye and blood-filled tissue and scar tissue are
removed and replaced with a salt solution, which helps maintain
the eye's normal shape. Sometimes a gas bubble must be
placed in the cavity of the eye to help reattach the retina. If a gas
bubble was placed in the eye, the patient may need to remain in
a facedown position until the gas bubble disappears. Often,
vitrectomy is followed by laser treatment .
New Treatments Being
Researched

Researchers are studying new treatments for
diabetic retinopathy, including medications
that may help prevent abnormal blood
vessels from forming in the eye. Some of
these medications are injected directly into
the eye to treat existing swelling or abnormal
blood vessels
Prevention Advice for Diabetics

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Pay attention to vision changes.
Make a commitment to managing diabetes
including diet and exercise
Monitor blood sugar level.
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol
under control.
Do not smoke
Take stress seriously
References
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http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.as
p
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticeyeprobl
ems.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabeticretinopathy/DS00447
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/diabetic.ht
m
http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/DiabeticRetin
opathy.asp