Diabetic retinopathy is an intense complication of diabetes that influences the eyes and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. This happens when high levels of sugar in the blood harm the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye that senses light.
The CDC, which is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that by 2050, about 16.0 million people in America could have diabetic retinopathy. This eye condition could cause vision problems for around 3.4 million of them. In this blog, we will look at the stages of diabetic retinopathy and can diabetic retinopathy be reversed. Certain medications, such as Jardiance 10 mg tablet, are effective in the treatment of diabetes.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy & Its Stages
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an eye problem that can happen to people with diabetes. It can make the pressure in the eyes go up and cause high levels of glucose in the blood vessels of the eye. What Are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy has four stages that get worse over time:
Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through three stages, with moderate nonproliferative stage being the first. At this point, diabetic changes to the retina’s structure are possible. At this point, one or more microaneurysms have formed.
[A microaneurysm is a small red bulge in a blood vessel in the retina].
[The retina is a delicate coating of tissue that strips the inside of the back of the eye. It is responsible for vision].
Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy
During the moderate nonproliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR), there is a risk of swelling and blockage in the blood vessels that provide nourishment to the retina. During this stage of diabetic retinopathy, there is bleeding, small bulges in blood vessels called microaneurysms, and white spots known as “cotton wool spots.”
Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy
During the severe nonproliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR), the blood vessels in the eye become more and more blocked. When this happens, the retina cannot get the blood it needs to work properly.
Proteins called vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) tell the retina to make new (but not normal) blood vessels. During this stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR), small bulges in blood vessels (microaneurysms) and bleeding (hemorrhages) can happen.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the ultimate stage of diabetic retinopathy, which is also the most advanced state. During this stage of DR, there is a possibility that new blood cells would increase in the retina and then make their way into the vitreous, which is the gel fluid that supplies the eye. These blood vessels are fragile and have the potential to cause retinal detachment in the long run.
Is Diabetic Retinopathy Reversible?
No, it’s not possible to reverse diabetic retinopathy. The harm caused to the eye by diabetic retinopathy typically is not reversed. In recent advances in diabetic retinopathy, there are diabetic retinopathy screening primary care treatments that help slow down or stop the worsening of retinopathy and preserve some of your vision:
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy In the Early Stages
Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy may not require immediate treatment if it is mild or moderate. However, your eyes will be closely monitored by your eye doctor in order to determine when treatment is necessary.
Talk to your diabetes doctor (endocrinologist) about finding ways to make your diabetes management better. When diabetic retinopathy is not severe, keeping your blood sugar levels under control usually helps slow down its progression.
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy In the Advance Stages
If you have a condition called proliferative diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, it’s important to get treatment quickly. Macular edema occurs when fluid assembles in the macula, which is at the back of the eye. Depending on what’s wrong with your retina, there are different options available.
Injecting Medications into the Eye
These medications are injected into the eye to treat certain eye conditions. They help to prevent the growth of new blood vessels and decrease the pile of fluid. These medicines are given with numbing medicine on the skin.
The injections may cause some mild discomfort, like a burning or painful feeling, for about a day after getting the injection. You might experience increased eye pressure and infection as potential side effects. You will have to get these injections again. Sometimes, the medication is used together with photocoagulation.
Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation is a medical procedure. This laser treatment, which is also called focal laser treatment, can help to stop or slow down the leaking of blood and fluid in the eye. During the procedure, doctors use laser burns to treat leaks from abnormal blood vessels.
Focal laser treatment is typically done in a doctor’s office or eye clinic in just one visit. If your vision was blurry because of macular edema before surgery, the treatment might not make your vision completely normal again. However, it is likely to decrease the chances of macular edema getting worse with this artificial intelligence in eye care.
Panretinal Photocoagulation
Panretinal photocoagulation is a medical procedure. This laser treatment, which is also called scatter laser treatment, can make the abnormal blood vessels smaller. During the procedure, the doctor uses scattered laser burns to treat the areas of the retina that are not near the macula. The burns make the unusual new blood vessels get smaller and form scars.
It is typically done at your doctor’s office or eye clinic over two or more sessions. After the procedure, your eyesight may be unclear for approximately one day. You might experience a decrease in your side vision or difficulty seeing at night after the procedure.
Vitrectomy
If you have a lot of bleeding in your eye or if you have scarring on your retina, your doctor might recommend a vitrectomy. During this alternative treatment for diabetic retinopathy, the doctors take out the gel-like stuff in your eye and put it in salt water, gas, or oil instead. After that, the doctors can remove the blood or fluids causing your blurry vision, remove scar tissue, or put the retina back in place.
When you get better, your body substitutes the temporary substance with the natural material in your eye called aqueous humor. In addition to all these treatment options, several diabetes medications are available at the best Canadian online pharmacy at the most affordable prices.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye problem that gets worse over time. People generally ask, can diabetic retinopathy be reversed? Sadly, it’s not possible to reverse it. But using treatments like shots, laser therapy, and surgery can help control the disease, slow it down, and keep your vision. It’s really important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in check and get regular eye check-ups to catch diabetic retinopathy early.
