Retina · Diabetic ophthalmology
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes. It often progresses without symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screening and follow-up are so important.
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. Over time, persistently high blood sugar weakens these vessels, which may leak fluid, become blocked, or proliferate abnormally. The retina, poorly supplied with blood, eventually suffers.
It is one of the leading causes of vision loss related to diabetes. It most often progresses without any symptoms in the early stages: this is precisely why regular screening matters, allowing action to be taken before vision is affected.
Diabetic retinopathy can be present without the patient being aware of it: the absence of visual disturbance does not mean the absence of damage. Only regular follow-up can detect it early.
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through stages, from the mildest to the most severe. Distinguishing between them allows monitoring and treatment to be adapted accordingly.
The earliest stage: the blood vessels become weakened (microaneurysms, small haemorrhages) without the formation of abnormal new vessels. It is often without symptoms and requires monitoring.
A more advanced stage: the poorly perfused retina produces abnormal, fragile new vessels, which carry a risk of complications (haemorrhage, detachment). Treatment is required, often with laser.
Fluid accumulates in the macula and blurs central vision. It can occur at various stages and is treated notably with injections. See the page on diabetic macular oedema.
Several factors influence the risk and severity of retinal damage:
Retinopathy is silent for a long time. When they do appear, signs may include:
The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of damage: this is why regular follow-up is essential.
Fundus examination and retinal imaging allow diabetic retinopathy to be detected and classified. This is where Dr Gattoussi's expertise in retinal imaging is particularly valuable.
Management depends on the stage and always combines diabetes control with appropriate ophthalmic monitoring.
Fundus examination and imaging to determine the stage.
In conjunction with your GP and diabetologist: the cornerstone of management.
Laser treatment and/or intravitreal injections depending on the stage and macular involvement.
Close monitoring to detect any deterioration.
A monitoring frequency is defined according to your situation (type of diabetes, glycaemic control, existing damage). See the screening page.
Diabetes control, blood pressure management, and regular follow-up play a major role in preventing its onset and progression.
At advanced and untreated stages, it can threaten vision. This is precisely what screening and early management aim to prevent.
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