Diabetes and Retina

The high sugar level in the blood caused by diabetes causes damage to arteries, veins and very thin veins called capillaries in the whole body. Diabetes affects especially the nerve layer (retina or mesh layer) of the eye and the capillaries in this layer, disrupting its operation and causing loss of vision. Retina disorders caused by diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy.

These disorders may not cause any complaints of the patient in the early stages and are usually detected by chance.

Duration of diabetes is one of the prominent risk factors caused by diabetic retinopathy. For type 1 or insulin-dependent young people with diabetes, the incidence of retinopathy after puberty increases in relation to age. The irregular course of blood sugar facilitates the deterioration of the retina and the progression of the disease. Pregnancy, hypertension, high blood fat (hyperlipidemia), kidney disease are other factors that aggravate retinopathy.

FFA (Fundus Fluorescein Angiography) is an important diagnostic tool for identifying patients needing the treatment. In case of damage to vision center due to diabetes, in recent years, with the widespread use of optical coherence tomography, diagnostic, classification and treatment modalities have been taken great improvements. OCT Angiography (angioplex) is available in our clinic. OCT Angiography does not provide people with vascular access, as is the case with traditional angiography. Angiographic imaging of the eye is provided by 3D (3D).

In the treatment: The Argon laser photocoagulation is able to prevent the progression of vascular damage in the early period and prevent permanent loss of vision.

In many stages of retinal damage caused by diabetes, intraocular injections may be required for treatment. In very advanced cases, intraocular hemorrhages are cleared and intraocular membranes are removed by Pars plana vitrectomy.