# Diabetic Retinopathy

![Diabetic Retinopathy](https://bigmed.ge/media/serve/media/blog/original/9GNbaqaSYtcm4GlzU9MXpHVf58HfVI3MVQzf2TqO.jpg)

**Specializations:** Eyes

> Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular eye disease that affects individuals with diabetes. It can lead to vision loss due to pathological changes in the retinal layers. Symptoms include overall vision deterioration, distorted shapes, hazy vision, and more. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. Complications of retinopathy include retinal detachment and macular edema. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to advanced medical interventions like laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which blood circulation is impaired throughout the body. The eyes are not an exception, and diabetic retinopathy may develop.

## **What is Diabetic Retinopathy?**

Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular eye disease that occurs in diabetes, causing pathological changes in the retinal layers.

**How it develops:**

- Blood flow in the eye vessels decreases.
- Oxygen deficiency occurs.
- The body compensates by growing new, fragile blood vessels, which can lead to frequent eye hemorrhages.
- As a result, visual functions deteriorate.

**Statistics:** Vision decreases in 80% of people with diabetes.

## **Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy**

Early stages may be asymptomatic. Symptoms appear when significant vascular changes occur:

- Overall vision deterioration.
- Distorted lines or shapes.
- Hazy vision, floating spots, or dark “floaters.”
- Double vision.
- Possible eye pain.

**Important:** People with diabetes should regularly see an ophthalmologist — at least once a year!

## **Complications**

- Retinal detachment.
- Retinal hemorrhages.
- Swelling of the central retina (macula) — diabetic macular edema.
- Neovascular glaucoma.

## **Diagnosis**

Ophthalmology clinics may perform:

- Visual acuity and visual field testing.
- Amsler grid test and other diagnostic tests.
- Intraocular pressure measurement.
- Fundus and eye structure examination using ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp.
- Early detection of macular edema via optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Fluorescein angiography of the retina.

**Important:** Early diagnosis can save vision.

## **Treatment**

Diabetic retinopathy cannot be fully cured, but its progression can be slowed to preserve vision.

### **Early stage:**

- Regular monitoring by a doctor.
- Control of blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
- Blood pressure management.
- Healthy diet.
- Physical activity.

### **Advanced stage:**

- **Laser photocoagulation** — cauterizing fragile vessels.
- **Intravitreal injections** — medication into the vitreous body.
- **Vitrectomy** — surgical removal of the vitreous body.

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Canonical: https://bigmed.ge/en/blog/diabetic-retinopathy
Country: Georgia (GE), the country in the South Caucasus
Published: 2026-01-22T21:12:08+04:00
Updated: 2026-04-25T22:58:44+04:00