Patient Information
Diabetic Retinopathy
This provides you with information about Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), including symptoms and available treatments.
Information about any current or previous research trials concerning DR are included at the bottom of this page.
Information about any current or previous research trials concerning DR are included at the bottom of this page.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Is a common complication of diabetes that affects the eyes and can lead to vision loss or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can affect anyone with diabetes, regardless of age or type of diabetes. It is therefore important to have regular sight tests attend your local diabetic eye screening appointments.
For people with diabetes in Gloucestershire, the Gloucestershire diabetic eye screening service can be contacted on 0300 422 4419
Diabetic retinopathy develops over time as a result of high blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light sensitive tissue at he back of the eye, causing them to leak or become blocked. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
There are 3 stages of diabetic retinopathy:
Non proliferative DR (R1)
Pre proliferative DR (R2)
Proliferative DR (R3)
In addition, people can also also have the above in combination with Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO or M1)
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy often develops gradually and may not cause symptoms until it progresses to a more advanced stage.
In the early stages people may experience slight blurring of vision or difficulty reading. Some people experience small spots or stings that float in the vision (floaters), and some people may have difficulty in distinguishing objects in low light conditions.
In more advanced stages people may have increased difficulty focusing or seeing details, have a large amount of floaters or the appearance of dark spots or patches in your vision. In late stages you may have peripheral vision loss or central blind spots, progressive or sudden onset vision loss. In rare, severe cases pain and a feeling of pressure within the eyes.
What are the treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy?
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, regular eye checks with your diabetic eye screening service and maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adherence to diabetes management plans set by GP or Hospital.
Treatment options include laser therapy – to seal or shrink abnormal blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding. Steroid injections or implants – reduce inflammation and macular oedema, Anti-VEGF injections – reduce swelling, slow down disease progression by blocking a protein that stimulates abnormal vessel growth. Surgical options include a vitrectomy whereby blood, scar tissue, gel are removed and replaced.
Research is underway for new and improved treatments for diabetic retinopathy. These currently include:
Gene Therapy – looking at genetic approahces to manage the condition
Stem Cell Therapy – whereby there’s a potential for the retina to repair and regenerate.
