Diabetic retinopathy is a group of retinal diseases caused by the deterioration of retinal vessels due to diabetes. The increase in blood sugar (glycemia) and its strong variations weaken the wall of the capillaries (small vessels which irrigate the parts of the body and the organs) creating lesions in the tissue at the level of the bottom of the eye (retina). This leads to a decrease in visual acuity which can be very important.
At the beginning, diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms and therefore sets in without giving any warning signs. The first symptoms are a blurred effect, dark areas in the vision, difficulties in perceiving colors, distortion of images and lines which can even lead to blindness.
Regular monitoring by a specialist and early detection are essential for people with diabetes. In addition, prevention remains the best treatment to slow down the evolution of the disease and prevent blindness: stabilization of sugar levels, blood pressure and dyslipidemia (cholesterol levels).
Patients who develop retinal edema (diabetic macular edema) or blood vessel growth (proliferative diabetic retinopathy) must be treated promptly. Treatment can range from intraocular injections, to laser treatment and even eye surgery.
PREVENTION remains the key word(Check list of the HUG):
1. See your ophthalmologist at least once a year as soon as you discover diabetes
2. Maintain:
> Correct blood sugar level (your doctor will tell you the optimal value)
> Optimal blood pressure
> Cholesterol level within the norm.
> Eat a balanced diet and be physically active.
Explanations and illustrations in video: "Diabetic retinopathy" of the Federation of the Blind and Amblyopes of France.