Diabetes is a disorder of sugar utilization and storage which causes damage to blood vessels throughout the body. When blood vessels in the eye are affected, the condition is called Diabetic Retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in patients 20 to 74 years of age. There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy: Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). Neovascular glaucoma, a less common complication of diabetes, will also be reviewed.
Evaluation
In addition to frequent thorough eye exams, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) may be used to detect macular edema. OCT is a scanning laser that images a slice of the retina in cross section. Fluorescein Angiography is another test used in which dye is injected into a vein in the arm. Digital images of the retina are obtained as the dye passes through blood vessels in the eye. Any abnormal blood vessels leak the injected dye, becoming detectable to the physician.
NONPROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
In Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), the normally water-tight retinal blood vessels begin to leak. This causes blood, serum, and lipid to collect in the retina. If leakage is excessive, fluid builds up in the retina causing it to swell. This is called Macular Edema. Serum and lipid which leak may cause the formation of solid deposits in the retina called exudate.
A patient with macular edema may not have any visual symptoms. If swelling involves the central macula, however, vision will become blurred, distorted, or darkened.
Treatment
When macular edema affects or threatens vision, treatment is typically recommended:
Laser Treatment for macular edema is a painless in-office procedure during which laser energy is applied to areas of leakage. The goal is to decrease the swelling by diminishing leakage, thereby stopping the loss of vision. Most, but not all, patients show a beneficial response to laser treatment. In some cases, multiple laser treatments are required. Even when laser treatment successfully seals leaking vessels, new areas of leakage may arise later.
Intravitreal Drug Therapy is frequently recommended for treating macular edema. The goal of these injections is to make the retinal vessels less leaky. This treatment, administered at 6-8 week intervals, is very effective and can improve vision in many cases. In some patients, macular edema resolves completely following a brief series of intravitreal injections. Other, more severe diabetics, may require a more prolonged treatment regimen, sometimes lasting years. Intravitreal drug therapy has been proven to be the most successful way of managing diabetic macular edema.
Vitrectomy Surgery is effective for patients with diabetic macular edema. During this procedure, the vitreous gel is removed. Fibrous membranes on the macula surface are also removed with the use of microscopic forceps. Following surgery, most patients experience a decrease in macular edema, along with improved vision.
PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced form of diabetic retinopathy. In PDR, abnormal blood vessels begin growing from the surface of the retina into the vitreous gel, a condition called neovascularization. These abnormal vessels can break and bleed into the vitreous cavity, causing a Vitreous Hemorrhage. Symptoms usually include the appearance of spots, strands, or a curtain in the vision. The abnormal blood vessels may also cause scar tissue to form, which can block light from reaching the retina or pull on the retina causing a Traction Retinal Detachment. Either of these complications may lead to severe loss of vision. A person with PDR may also have macular edema, as in NPDR.
PDR can lead to Neovascular Glaucoma, a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris in the front of the eye, blocking flow of fluid from the eye and causing eye pressure to become very high. Neovascular glaucoma can cause pain, halos around lights, and rapid loss of vision.
Treatment
Laser Treatment is primarily used for PDR. Unlike limited focal laser for macular edema, this condition requires a more global treatment called Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP). PRP treats the peripheral retina, causing abnormal blood vessels to shrink. Although PRP can sometimes reduce night or side vision, it decreases the likelihood of bleeding, thereby reducing the risk of severe visual loss by up to 50%. PRP laser is an in-office procedure, often carried out over several sessions.
Intraviteal Drug Therapy can also be used to stabilize the retina.
Vitrectomy Surgery may be indicated in patients who develop vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment. During this procedure, the vitreous gel and blood are removed and microscopic forceps used to remove scar tissue. Leaking blood vessels are then cauterized or treated directly with laser. This is an outpatient procedure performed at the surgery center under local anesthesia. Most patients experience improvement in vision and eye health following vitrectomy.
The Patient's role in Diabetic Retinopathy
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol will significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. It is recommended that patients take an active role in managing blood sugar, keeping Hemoglobin A1C levels low, optimally 7 or less. A close relationship between patient and primary care physician is vital for preserving eyesight and overall health.
It is important to note that diabetes may damage the retina without causing noticeable visual symptoms. For this reason, individuals with diabetes should regularly receive dilated eye exams. With proper screening, follow-up, and treatment, the majority of patients with diabetic retinopathy avoid severe loss of vision.