What is diabetic retinopathy?

It is a condition caused by diabetes that affects the retina. Blood vessels in the retina are damaged and become leaky or blocked. Abnormal blood vessels can grow from the retina, which can bleed or cause scarring of the retina and result in permanent vision impairment or blindness. Vision impairment most commonly occurs due to thickening in the central part of the retina (diabetic macular oedema), which can lead to irreversible vision impairment.

Purpose of diabetic retinopathy screening:

The purpose of systematic diabetic retinopathy screening is to reduce the risk of vision impairment and blindness among the people with diabetes through the prompt identification and effective treatment of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy

How often should diabetes be screened for retinopathy?

Examinations should be done annually, if retinopathy is progressing, examinations should be done more frequently. If the patient has one or more normal examinations, examinations may be considered every two to three years.

5 Ways to Prevent Vision Loss from Diabetic Retinopathy:

If you have diabetes, talk with your primary care doctor about controlling your blood sugar. High blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels. That causes vision loss.

Do you have high blood pressure or kidney problems? Ask your doctor about ways to manage and treat these problems.

See your ophthalmologist regularly for dilated eye exams. Diabetic retinopathy may be found before you even notice any vision problems.

If you notice vision changes in one or both eyes, call your ophthalmologist right away.

Get treatment for diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible. This is the best way to prevent vision loss.