Diabetes is a medical condition that can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and foot damage.

In severe cases where diabetes is not treated, high blood sugar levels can also cause vision loss, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

In Malaysia, where diabetes is a growing public health concern, diabetic retinopathy affects about 9% of the Malaysian population or an estimated 1.9 million people.

Despite increasing awareness and advancements in healthcare, many individuals need to be made aware of the risks associated with this condition and the importance of early detection and treatment.

Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, gaining a deeper understanding of this condition and how to prevent and manage it effectively.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication associated with diabetes that can lead to vision loss or even blindness. This medical condition usually affects both eyes.

Over time, diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause these vessels to leak fluid or blood, which can then harm the retinal tissue – eventually leading to blurred or cloudy vision.

There are two types of diabetic retinopathy which are:

• Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NDPR)

This is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, where symptoms are mild or non-existent. Individuals with NDPR have weakened blood vessels in their retina and tiny bulges called microaneurysms that may leak fluid into the retinal space, causing it to swell.

• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

PDR is a more advanced stage of the disease where the retina is deprived of oxygen due to circulation problems. Consequently, new, fragile blood vessels form in the retina and into the vitreous, causing a blood leak into the aqueous space and resulting in cloudy vision.

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy often have no noticeable symptoms. However, you may experience temporary changes in your vision, such as difficulty reading or seeing distant objects.

As the disease progresses, you might develop the following symptoms:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Experiencing a dark or empty spot in the centre of your field of vision
• Seeing floating spots or streaks resembling cobwebs (eye floaters)
• Night blindness

While these spots might disappear on their own, immediate medical attention is essential. Untreated, these bleeds can lead to scarring in the back of the eye and potentially worsen over time.

Individuals contracted with diabetes type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes are susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

Neglecting effective diabetes management over an extended period can significantly increase this risk.

Some factors that increase your risk of developing this condition are:

• Age and genetics
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High tobacco use
• Poor blood sugar control
• Pregnancy

If you have diabetes, seeing an eye doctor regularly for eye exams is vital, as early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

To slow or halt the progression of diabetic retinopathy, treatment plans are tailored to the specific type and severity of the condition:

Early Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals with mild or moderate NDPR may not require immediate treatment. However, regular eye exams are necessary to assess when intervention becomes necessary.

To enhance your diabetes management, collaborating with your endocrinologist to determine the most effective treatment strategies can significantly improve outcomes.

For mild or moderate diabetic retinopathy, effective blood sugar control can often slow the disease’s progression.

Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetic retinopathy that is affecting or threatening your vision, the primary treatment options are:

Homecare and Management

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness, but patients can play a proactive role in their care, potentially mitigating its impact.

A self-care routine can help control symptoms and prevent disease progression. Incorporating these lifestyle adjustments can also improve your overall well-being:

• Exercise regularly (e.g. include aerobic exercises into routines)
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in foods that are nutritional for the eyes
• Manage your glucose levels
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Regulate your stress levels (e.g. include meditation sessions or yoga to relieve stress)
• Quit smoking

Effective diabetes management is crucial for preventing diabetic retinopathy.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce your risk.

At Island Hospital, our diabetic centre features a team of internationally recognised diabetes specialists offering comprehensive care for individuals with type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes.

We provide a wide range of services, including weight-loss therapy and surgery, to address the complex needs of patients with diabetes and related conditions.

Our commitment to excellence in advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge therapies, and compassionate support has earned us local and worldwide recognition:

A finalist for Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme
A place on Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2024
A place Global Health Asia Pacific Awards 2024

Time is of the essence when it comes to diabetes, as it can lead to other life-threatening issues.

Don’t let these symptoms worsen. Book your eye exam with us today to learn more about our treatment options.