DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
With the exponential increase of diabetes in our population, and Pakistan being amongst the top most
nations in Asia being affected, it is very important to educate ourselves with diabetic retinopathy which
is the disease of the eye being affected by diabetes.
WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Retina is a structure at the back of the eye which sends visual signals to the brain for image processing.
Diabetic retinopathy causes the blood vessels supplying the retina to get damaged due to persistently
raised blood glucose levels
Damage to the retina due to diabetic retinopathy can cause progressive impairment of vision.
If left untreated diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent visual impairment.
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR
Sudden or gradual change in vision
Blurring of vision
Difficulty reading text even with glasses
Distortion of images
Eye floaters and spots
PREVENTION
Annual eye examination
Monitoring and managing blood glucose levels
Blood Pressure control
Blood Cholesterol Management
Smoking cessation
Regular Exercise
Healthy Dietary Habits
TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND HOW YOUR RETINA SPECIALIST CAN HELP YOU
Depending on the stage of your disease your retina specialist can help you with the following modalities
Eye Injections: May help in improving reduced vision and also help in stopping the ongoing retinal blood
vessel leakage
Lasers: Usually employed to maintain the current vision and stop from further decline
Surgery: Performed in advanced cases with blood inside the vitreous cavity of the eye
Dr. Ali Zia can be reached at The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates , Karachi . You can book an appointment by contacting 03041119544. Walk in appointments and emergencies will also be seen whenever possible. You can also request an appointment online