Diabetic Retinopathy

Affections Oculaires
Eye Conditions
Medications
Optometry

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.
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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Diabetic Retinopathy?

Quiz: Do You Understand Diabetic Retinopathy?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

0

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy.

Explanation:

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: early diabetic retinopathy and advanced diabetic retinopathy.

1

Diabetic retinopathy usually affects one eye.

Explanation:

Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes, and anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

2

Diabetic retinopathy can be caused by poor blood control management.

Explanation:

Diabetic retinopathy can be caused by poor blood control management. Excess sugar in your blood can lead to a blockage of the blood vessels leading to the retina, cutting off the blood supply.

3

Effectively managing your serum cholesterol levels can help prevent diabetic retinopathy.

Explanation:

If you can manage your blood sugars and A1C levels, keep your blood pressure low and controlled and manage your serum cholesterol levels, your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy will be significantly reduced

4

Steroid injections are not a treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

Explanation:

Diabetic retinopathy treatment includes anti-VEGF medication, steroid injections, vitrectomy to remove vitreous gel and blood from leaking vessels or laser surgery to seal off leaking blood vessels.

Diabetic Retinopathy Detection and Prevention

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can develop in individuals with diabetes, and it has been explained by Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCSC, a Vitreoretinal Surgeon. Here is an overview of his explanation:

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, become blocked, leaky, or a combination of both. This leads to various changes in the retina, including swelling and ischemia (lack of oxygen).