“Vision related problems are some of the most common and serious complications of diabetes,” says Dr Canning.

“Of course, the single most effective treatment for diabetic eye disease is prevention — good control of diabetes and any associated high blood pressure can delay or avoid significant eye problems. Prevention of diabetic eye disease starts with regular eye examinations which can so often provide an indicator of the diabetes or blood pressure control. Regular screening
should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not.”

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Every cell in the eye (and, indeed, the body) is affected by the biochemical changes of diabetes.  In practice, however, retinopathy is a disease of the blood vessels.

The retina can be compared to the film in a camera and transmits the images through the nerve to the brain. The retina has very fine blood
vessels that supply it with nutrients and oxygen.

In Diabetic Retinopathy these blood vessels are damaged and can be blocked or leak fluid. This, combined with bleeding, may damage the cells of the retina irreversibly.

In more severe disease, fragile vessels grow on the retina.

These new vessels sometimes bleed in the eye and can cause blurring of
the vision.

Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?

Once retinopathy is present, direct 
eye treatment may be needed and the type of treatment depends on the 
problem. There is no effective treatment for the parts of the retina where blood vessels have disappeared but laser photocoagulation remains the first line of treatment for both new and leaking vessels.  Steroids and VEGF blocking agents of various sorts also have a role.  Where the eye disease is advanced then surgery can help.

Dr Chris Canning can be reached at

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

The Ophthalmologist can see these as tiny “dots” and “blots” on the retina when they examine the back of the eye. Your vision is not usually affected but you will need careful follow up.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

New blood vessels grow in some part or parts of the retina at this stage, they are delicate and can easily bleed which can damage the retina. Without laser treatment, vision is likely to become seriously affected by bleeding and parts of the retina may also detach from the back of the eye.

Diabetic Maculopathy

This is when the central part of the retina is affected. Leaking vessels in this area can cause swelling of the retina and severely compromise vision. Treatment might vary from laser treatment to injections or surgery with a virectomy.

Can it be prevented?

There is strong evidence that improving control of diabetes has a long term beneficial effect on the eyes, slowing the rate of progression of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, making sure your blood sugar is well controlled is a crucial part of looking after your eyes. It is also important to ensure your blood pressure is regularly checked and treated if elevated. The combination of smoking and diabetes has severe health effects throughout your body.

What can diabetes patients do?

Treatment can prevent loss of vision and blindness in most cases. Therefore, if you have diabetes it is vital that you have regular eye checks to detect retinopathy before your vision becomes seriously affected.
www.moorfields.ae