Dr. Abhishek Patnaik
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world today, affecting more than 828 million of people across all age groups. While most people associate diabetes with high blood sugar, its impact extends far beyond glucose levels. One of the most serious and sight-threatening complications of diabetes is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) — a condition that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye with a projected estimate of rise to around 160 million among adult population by 2045.
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, which damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels may swell, leak fluid, or close off completely, leading to poor blood supply to the retinal tissue. In advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina’s surface, which can bleed and cause scarring or retinal detachment. The result can be severe and permanent vision loss if left untreated.
The Silent Threat:
One of the most dangerous aspects of diabetic retinopathy is that it often develops silently. In the early stages, patients may have no symptoms at all — no pain, redness, or blurring. By the time vision becomes affected, the disease may already be advanced. That is why regular, comprehensive eye check-ups are essential for every person living with diabetes, even when vision seems perfectly normal.
Recognizing the Warning Signs Symptoms:
- Blurring of vision.
- Appearance of dark spots or floaters.
- Difficulty of seeing at night.
- Sudden loss of vision.
Any of these signs should prompt an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist. Early detection and timely intervention can prevent up to 90% of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Tata Main Hospital, ophthalmology department takes the credit of having a wide range of high standard diagnostic tools like Zeiss OCT, Clarus FFA and Retinal laser machine that helps to assess the extent of retinal damage.
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease. In early stages, strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is often enough to slow progression. In more advanced cases, treatment may involve laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) drugs or steroids, and in some cases, vitrectomy surgery to remove blood or scar tissue.
Prevention is Better Than Cure:
The key to preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy lies in awareness and regular screening.
- People with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once every year — or more frequently if recommended by their doctor.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking.
- Adhering to medication, can significantly reduce the risk.
Vision is one of our most precious senses, yet diabetic retinopathy continues to be a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. The good news is that with modern treatments and vigilant care, blindness due to diabetic eye disease is largely preventable.
You may not feel diabetic eye disease, but your ophthalmologist can see it. Schedule your regular eye check-up — early detection saves sight. November is celebrated as world diabetes awareness month.
(Author is Consultant Ophthalmologist, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur. Views are personal.)
