Diabetes is a long-term disease that affects multiple organs and systems in the body, increasing the risk of various complications. One of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. It occurs due to damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina caused by prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Vahid S. Bharmal, Consultant Adult & Paediatric Endocrinologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, discussed Diabetes and Eye Health: The Connection Between Diabetes and Retinopathy.

Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy

Several factors contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The major risk factors include:

  1. Duration of Diabetes: The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing retinopathy.
  2. Poor Blood Sugar Control: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels accelerate retinal damage.
  3. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension worsens vascular damage in the eyes.
  4. Diabetic Nephropathy: Diabetic kidney disease increases the likelihood of retinal complications.
  5. Genetic Factors: A family history of diabetic retinopathy raises susceptibility.
  6. Obesity: Excess weight contributes to metabolic imbalance, increasing the risk of retinal damage.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy Progresses Through Four Stages:

  1. Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Early-stage changes, such as microaneurysms (tiny bulges in blood vessels), occur, but vision remains largely unaffected.
  2. Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels reduces oxygen supply to the retina.
  3. Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Extensive blockage of blood vessels leads to retinal ischemia, significantly increasing the risk of vision impairment.
  4. Proliferative Retinopathy: The most advanced stage, where abnormal blood vessels grow, raising the risk of retinal detachment, severe vision loss, or blindness.

Importance Of Screening And Prevention

Since early-stage diabetic retinopathy often presents no symptoms, regular screening is crucial for early detection and treatment. Patients should undergo an eye examination at the time of diabetes diagnosis and continue with annual screenings to prevent progression.

Effective Strategies To Prevent Or Slow The Advancement Of Diabetic Retinopathy Include:

  1. Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
  2. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  3. Controlling body weight to reduce overall metabolic risk.
  4. Seeking regular ophthalmologic care to monitor retinal health.

By proactively managing diabetes and associated risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing vision-threatening complications and preserve their eyesight.