Diabetic retinal disease is a blinding condition that affects retina’s blood vessels. If not treated it could lead to visual impairment, or even permanent blindness. However, with prompt intervention and the most advanced surgical procedures to treat vision loss, it is prevented or greatly diminished. This blog explains the ways that surgery plays an important role in preventing diabetic retinal damage and maintaining your vision.
Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs due to high blood sugar levels. These affect the tiny blood vessels of the retina, which is the sensitive tissue that is located at behind the eyes. As time passes, these vessels could let out fluid or bleed which can cause the formation of scar tissue, swelling or retinal disconnection. All of these could affect your vision.
There are two major phases of diabetic retinopathy
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Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): The initial stage is characterized by swelling of blood vessels and leakage.
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Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): The advanced stage in which abnormal blood vessels form on the retina and increase the chance of developing serious problems with vision.
If you’re diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, surgical treatment may become necessary–especially if the condition progresses or if you experience symptoms such as blurry vision, floaters, dark spots, or sudden vision loss.
When Is Surgery Required?
The procedure for diabetic retinopathy surgery is usually suggested in the following instances:
- Vitreous Hemorrhage :- The bleeding into the clear gel that covers the eyes (vitreous) could cloud vision or hinder light entering the retina.
- Traction Retinal Distancing :- Scar tissue pulls against the retina, causing it disconnect.
- Persistent Macular Edema :- swelling in the central retina (macula) isn’t responsive to treatment with lasers or medication.
- Scar Tissue Formation :- The growth of scar tissue can lead either vision loss or loss of vision.
These situations need immediate attention in order to avoid irreparable damage to the eyes.
Types of Surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy
Many sophisticated surgical techniques are offered for treating diabetic retinanopathy. The decision is contingent upon the seriousness of the disease and the particular complications that are involved.
1. Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is the largest and most commonly used surgical procedure used to treat advanced diabetic retinal disease. It involves the removal of the vitreous gel as well as any scar tissue or blood that could be obscuring sight or pulling the retina. Once the retina is clear surgically, the surgeon can employ lasers to close the bleeding vessels or repair damage to the retina.
Benefits of Vitrectomy:
- Clears vision cloudy due to hemorrhage.
- Reduces the pressure to the retina.
- Improves vision and helps restore it.
- Stops further degradation.
2. Laser Photocoagulation
Laser treatments are used to stop blood vessels from leaking or reduce abnormal ones. Although not technically considered surgery, it’s usually performed as part of a surgical procedure in order to slow the progress of a disease.
Types:
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Laser Focal/Grid :- Targets specific leaking vessels.
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Pan-Retinal photocoagulation (PRP) :- Destroys peripheral retinas to stop the growth of abnormal vessels.
Laser therapy is especially efficient in stabilizing the condition and decreasing any further loss of vision.
3. Combining Approaches to Anti-VEGF Therapy
Sometimes, surgeries are combined in conjunction with the injection of anti-VEGF that stop the protein that causes abnormal blood vessel expansion. These injections are usually administered prior to or following surgery in order to enhance outcomes and decrease swelling.
What to Expect During Surgery
Diabetic retina surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia, with the aid of sedation. Most vitrectomies are completed in about 1-2 hours, and can be performed by an outpatient. Following surgery the gas bubble can be placed inside the eye to assist in holding the retina in its proper position and require patients to maintain certain head positions while recovering.
Recovery Tips:
- Follow your doctor’s post-op guidelines be sure to follow the post-op instructions carefully.
- Make use of the prescribed drops for your eyes to reduce inflammation and infection.
- Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments in order to track the healing process.
- Beware of strenuous activity for a couple of weeks.
The majority of patients notice improvement in their vision within a couple of weeks or even months, based on the severity of the damage and the process of healing.
Risks and Complications
With any procedure there are risk factors that are involved, for example:
- Retinal detachment
- Infection
- Cataract formation
- Pressure in the eyes can be increased
- Recurrent bleeding
But, with skilled treatment and a meticulous follow-up, problems can be reduced, and results are usually very successful.
How Surgery Helps Preserve Vision
The early surgical intervention for diabetic retinopathy may:
- Restore clarity of vision :- By removing blood and scar tissue.
- Reduce the risk of blindness :- Particularly in cases of severe PDR and retinal detached.
- Reducing symptoms :- Like floaters distortion, flashes of light.
- Stabilizes :- The retina and maintain the long-term health of your eyes.
Surgery for many people can be life-changing and offers the chance to restore independence and improve the living quality through better vision.
When Should You See an Eye Specialist?
Eye exams on a regular basis are essential for people suffering from diabetes. According to doctors, those who suffer from type 1 or 2 diabetes must undergo an extensive eye exam every year at least. Get immediate medical attention when you notice:
- Double vision or blurred
- A sudden loss in vision
- The dark or empty areas of your vision
- Light flashes
- Eye pressure or pain
Early detection, in conjunction with timely surgical procedures, gives you the best chance of keeping your vision.
Conclusion
Surgery is a potent weapon in the fight against diabetic retinal. With the proper treatment plan and surgical procedures you can prevent the disease from taking away your vision. Do not wait until the symptoms get worse. Take actions early and safeguard your vision in the near future.
