It is the damage done to the retina of the eye due to high blood sugar in patients with Diabetes Mellitus.
Follow the link to know – What is Retina?
What happens in Diabetes???
Having high blood sugar for a long time leads to changes in the small blood vessels supplying the retina.
This results in decreased blood supply to the retina.
Decreased blood supply means decreased oxygen and nutrients
Retina starts to show changes which is called Diabetic Retinopathy
It can be detected through an examination by an ophthalmologist.
What happens if left undiagnosed???
The changes initially do not have any symptoms. The patients may have normal vision. This leads to delayed diagnosis of the disease.
If left undiagnosed, they may develop sudden loss or gradual loss of vision which in some cases is irreversible.
Hence, Diabetic retinopathy screening is important.
When should you get the screening done???
| DIABETES TYPE | FIRST EXAMINATION | SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION |
| Type 1 Diabetes | After 5 years of diagnosis | Annually/ as advised by your doctor |
| Type 2 Diabetes | At the time of diagnosis | Annually/ as advised by your doctor |
| Women with diabetes who become pregnant or planning to become pregnant | Prior to conception and early in the first trimester | Close follow up until one year post partum |