According to the American Optometric
Association, Diabetic Retinopathy is classified into two types:
Association, Diabetic Retinopathy is classified into two types:
· Non-proliferative
diabetic retinopathy (NDPR): This is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms
will be mild or non-existent. In non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the blood
vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels called Microaneurysms may leak fluid into the
retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula. Deposits of
cholesterol or other fats from the blood may leak into the retina.
diabetic retinopathy (NDPR): This is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms
will be mild or non-existent. In non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the blood
vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels called Microaneurysms may leak fluid into the
retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula. Deposits of
cholesterol or other fats from the blood may leak into the retina.
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
can cause changes in the eye including:
can cause changes in the eye including:
§ Microaneurysms:
Small bulges in blood vessels of the
retina that often leak fluid.
Small bulges in blood vessels of the
retina that often leak fluid.
§ Retinal
hemorrhages:
Tiny spots of blood that leak into the retina.
hemorrhages:
Tiny spots of blood that leak into the retina.
§ Hard
exudates: deposits
of cholesterol or other fats from the blood that have leaked into the retina.
exudates: deposits
of cholesterol or other fats from the blood that have leaked into the retina.
§ Macular
oedema: Swelling
or thickening of the macular caused by fluid leaking from the retina’s blood
vessels. Macular oedema is the most common source of vision loss in diabetes.
oedema: Swelling
or thickening of the macular caused by fluid leaking from the retina’s blood
vessels. Macular oedema is the most common source of vision loss in diabetes.
§ Macular
ischemia: Small blood
vessels (capillaries) close. Vision blurs because the Macular no longer
receives enough blood to work properly
ischemia: Small blood
vessels (capillaries) close. Vision blurs because the Macular no longer
receives enough blood to work properly
Many people with diabetes have mild non-proliferative
diabetic retinopathy, which usually does not affect their vision. However, if
vision is affected, it is the result of Macular Oedema or Macular Ischemia.
diabetic retinopathy, which usually does not affect their vision. However, if
vision is affected, it is the result of Macular Oedema or Macular Ischemia.
· Proliferative
diabetic retinopathy (PDR): Proliferative diabetic retinopathy mainly occurs when many
of the blood vessels in the retina close preventing enough blood flow. In an
attempt to supply blood to the areas where the original vessels closed, the
retina responds by growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization.
However, there blood vessels are abnormal and do not supply the retina with proper
blood flow. The new vessels are also often accompanied by scarred tissues that
may cause the retina to wrinkle or detach. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
may cause severe vision loss than Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
because it can affect both the central and peripheral vision. Proliferative
diabetic retinopathy affects vision in the following ways:
diabetic retinopathy (PDR): Proliferative diabetic retinopathy mainly occurs when many
of the blood vessels in the retina close preventing enough blood flow. In an
attempt to supply blood to the areas where the original vessels closed, the
retina responds by growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization.
However, there blood vessels are abnormal and do not supply the retina with proper
blood flow. The new vessels are also often accompanied by scarred tissues that
may cause the retina to wrinkle or detach. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
may cause severe vision loss than Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
because it can affect both the central and peripheral vision. Proliferative
diabetic retinopathy affects vision in the following ways:
§ Vitreous
hemorrhage: Delicate
new blood vessels bleed into the vitreous (the gel in the center of the eye)
preventing light rays from reaching the retina. If the vitreous hemorrhage is
small, you may see a few new dark floaters. A very large hemorrhage might block
out all vision, allowing you to perceive only light and dark. Vitreous
hemorrhage alone does not cause permanent vision loss. When the blood clears,
your vision may return to its former level unless the macula has been damaged.
hemorrhage: Delicate
new blood vessels bleed into the vitreous (the gel in the center of the eye)
preventing light rays from reaching the retina. If the vitreous hemorrhage is
small, you may see a few new dark floaters. A very large hemorrhage might block
out all vision, allowing you to perceive only light and dark. Vitreous
hemorrhage alone does not cause permanent vision loss. When the blood clears,
your vision may return to its former level unless the macula has been damaged.
§ Traction
retinal detachment:
Scarred tissue from neovascularization shrinks, causing the retina to wrinkle
and pull from its normal position. Macular wrinkling can distort your vision.
More severe vision loss can occur if the Macula or large areas of the retina
are detached.
retinal detachment:
Scarred tissue from neovascularization shrinks, causing the retina to wrinkle
and pull from its normal position. Macular wrinkling can distort your vision.
More severe vision loss can occur if the Macula or large areas of the retina
are detached.
§ Neovascular
glaucoma: If a
number of retinal vessels are closed, neovascularization can occur in the iris
(the colored part of the eye). In this condition, the new blood vessels may
block the normal flow of fluid out of the eye. Pressure builds in the eye, a
particularly severe condition that causes damage to the optic nerve.
glaucoma: If a
number of retinal vessels are closed, neovascularization can occur in the iris
(the colored part of the eye). In this condition, the new blood vessels may
block the normal flow of fluid out of the eye. Pressure builds in the eye, a
particularly severe condition that causes damage to the optic nerve.
