What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The retina is the sensitive nerve layer inside the eye which converts light into visual images, which are then transmitted to the brain. Diabetes affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina causing leakage and haemorrhages in the delicate nerves. If not detected, the haemorrhages can lead to permanent loss of sight.
Diagnosis
Fortunately diabetic retinopathy can be easily diagnosed by a simple test which takes less than 5 minutes and causes no discomfort whatsoever. Photographs of the retina are taken by a special type of digital camera, specifically developed for this single purpose. From this image a Consultant Physician can detect the earliest changes of diabetic retinopathy. Even the smallest leakage from the tiny blood vessels in the eye can be identified immediately. If diabetic retinopathy progresses undetected and untreated, new blood vessels may grow in the eye. This is a very serious complication which leads to blindness in 40% of cases within 2 years.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, the patient is referred to a consultant ophthalmic surgeon for treatment. The leaking blood vessels are sealed using an ophthalmic laser. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, takes about 30 minutes and is completely painless. The patient can leave the clinic immediately after the procedure with no undue effects, and the leaking blood vessels are sealed permanently, however regular monitoring is necessary as diabetes can cause other blood vessels to leak at a later stage.
Diabetic retinopathy is very concerning, but it is important to emphasise that this is preventable in almost all cases with early detection and treatment.
All of the specialist facilities for screening and treatment of diabetic eye disease are present at London Medical. Fundus photographs (9 field views) are reported by consultant ophthalmologists and Fluorescein angiography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Green Argon Laser Therapy can be all carried out on the same day. If diabetic eye disease is detected, the patients have the option of attending an ophthalmologist of their choice or a referral to one of the many retinal specialists working in the clinic can be arranged.
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