Diabetic Retinopathy Specialists in Karnataka
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication in which chronically high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sens…
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What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication in which chronically high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Over time these damaged vessels can leak fluid or blood, become blocked entirely, or trigger the growth of abnormal fragile new vessels, all of which distort or destroy central and peripheral vision. It is one of the most common complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Risk and severity increase with the duration of diabetes and how well blood sugar has been controlled over time.
Severe
Common — affects roughly one-third of people living with diabetes to some degree
No
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Chronically elevated blood glucose damages the walls of the small blood vessels supplying the retina, causing them to weaken, leak, or close off entirely over time. This vascular damage can trigger the retina to grow new abnormal blood vessels, called proliferative retinopathy, that are fragile and prone to sudden bleeding. Risk is heightened by poor blood sugar control, long duration of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pregnancy.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
blurred or fluctuating vision, dark spots or floaters appearing in vision, difficulty seeing at night, impaired color vision, patchy or streaky vision loss, sudden vision loss in advanced disease, empty or dark areas appearing in central vision
Treatment & Types of Diabetic Retinopathy in Karnataka
Tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is the foundation of slowing disease progression. Depending on severity, treatments include laser photocoagulation to seal leaking vessels, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications to shrink abnormal vessels and reduce swelling, and vitrectomy surgery for advanced cases involving bleeding or retinal detachment. Regular dilated eye examinations are essential for early detection since significant damage is often present before symptoms appear.
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through two main stages: non-proliferative retinopathy, an earlier stage involving weakened and leaking blood vessels, and proliferative retinopathy, a more advanced stage where fragile abnormal new vessels grow and are prone to sudden bleeding. A related complication, diabetic macular oedema, involves fluid swelling in the central part of the retina and can occur at any stage, significantly affecting central vision.
Ophthalmology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Existing vessel damage is generally not reversible, but tight blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control can slow or halt further progression, and treatments like anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy can preserve remaining vision.
Will I notice symptoms early with diabetic retinopathy?
Often not; significant damage can occur before any vision changes are noticed, which is why annual dilated eye exams are recommended for everyone with diabetes regardless of symptoms.
How often should a diabetic get an eye exam?
Generally once a year, though your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent monitoring if retinopathy is already present or blood sugar control has been poor.
Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?
Yes, it is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults if left untreated, which makes regular screening and prompt treatment of any changes essential.
Does pregnancy affect diabetic retinopathy?
Pregnancy can accelerate progression of existing retinopathy, so women with diabetes who become pregnant should have more frequent eye exams throughout the pregnancy.