Diabetic patients are at higher risk for developing serious complications that affect their vision. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy. The retina, responsible for clear vision, can be severely impacted, leading to impaired sight.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage the microvasculature in the body, including the small blood vessels in the retina. Since these retinal vessels are tiny, they often show signs of damage earlier than other vessels. When affected, the retinal function is compromised, leading to visual impairment for the patient.

symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, specifically the retina. In its early stages, it may not cause noticeable symptoms, so routine screening is important. but as it progresses, you might experience:

  • Blurred Vision: Blurriness in one or both eyes can occur.
  • Floaters: Dark spots or lines that float across your vision.
  • Reduced Night Vision: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
  • Sudden Vision Loss: In severe cases, you might experience a sudden loss of vision, often due to bleeding in the eye.
  • Color Vision Problems: Difficulty distinguishing between certain colors or a washed-out color appearance.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult an eye doctor or healthcare provider as early treatment can prevent further damage

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Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

The main cause of diabetic retinopathy is consistently high blood sugar levels over time, which damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to impaired vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Abu Dhabi

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy can vary depending on the severity of the condition, and it’s important to start treatment early to prevent vision loss.

Here are some common treatment options:

  • Blood Sugar Control
    The first and most important step in managing diabetic retinopathy is controlling blood sugar levels. Proper blood sugar control can help slow the progression of the disease and even prevent it from worsening.
  • Laser Treatment (Laser Photocoagulation)
    • Focal laser treatment: Targets specific areas of leaking blood vessels to prevent further leakage and swelling.
    • Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP): Used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, this laser treatment is designed to shrink abnormal blood vessels and reduce the risk of vision loss.
  • Injectable Medications
    • Anti-VEGF injections in the eye: can reduce swelling in the retina, improve vision, and stop abnormal blood vessels from growing.
      Steroid injections in the eye: can also be used to reduce swelling in the retina.
  • Vitrectomy Surgery
    In more advanced cases, where there is severe bleeding, scar tissue, or retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary. The surgeon removes the vitreous gel (the clear substance that fills the eye) and repairs the retina.

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Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention

  • Regular Check-ups: Annual visits to the ophthalmologist are essential if you have diabetes to catch any potential issues early and prevent complications.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and making positive lifestyle choices are key to preventing diabetic retinopathy and other complications.

By staying on top of your health, you can reduce the risk of vision problems from diabetes.

When should I see a specialist for Diabetic Retinopathy?

You should see an ophthalmologist if you have diabetes and are experiencing any of the following:

  • Changes in vision: If you notice blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, or spots/floaters in your vision, it’s important to see an eye care specialist as soon as possible.
  • Regular eye exams: Even if you don’t notice any vision changes, it’s crucial to have regular eye exams if you have diabetes, as diabetic retinopathy can develop without any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual eye exams for people with diabetes.
  • Progressive or uncontrolled diabetes: If your blood sugar levels have been poorly controlled or fluctuate frequently, your risk for diabetic retinopathy increases, and you should have your eyes checked more frequently.
  • Symptoms of advanced diabetic retinopathy: If you experience sudden vision loss or severe blurriness, it’s important to see a specialist immediately. This could indicate that the condition has progressed to a more severe stage.

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Why Choose Reem Hospital for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment?

At Reem Hospital, our team combines expert eye care and diabetes management with advanced technology to offer comprehensive treatment for diabetic retinopathy, helping restore your vision and improve your quality of life.

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Written By
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy

Medical Content Writer

Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Iyad Deeb

Consultant Ophthalmology

Dr. Iyad Deeb is an Arab Board Specialist Ophthalmologist at Reem Hospital who specializes in Cataract Surgery, Lids and Ocular Surface Disorders, Anterior Segment Lasers, and Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Iyad has an experience of more than 20 years in the...

Meet Our Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Iyad Deeb

Ophthalmology
Consultant Ophthalmology
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How effective is diabetic retinopathy treatment?

  • Is diabetic retinopathy treatment painful?

  • Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?

  • How long does diabetic retinopathy treatment take?

  • Are there any side effects of diabetic retinopathy treatment?

  • Can diabetic retinopathy return after treatment?

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