What is diabetic retinopathy?

When you come to Shroff Eye Centre for diabetic retinopathy check, we do a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

• Visual Acuity

  Testing your eye power.

• Tonometry

  To check your eye pressure.

• Slit lamp & Indirect Ophthalmoscopy

  Allows our eye specialists to check for any changes in the retina- such as bleeding, fatty deposits, edema in the macula, condition of your lens, optic nerve etc.

• Colour photograph of the retina

  To document and monitor the retina.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

  A non-invasive eye test which provides a cross-sectional view of the retina. It helps in quantifying the amount and type of swelling and guides the treatment as well as subsequent follow up.

• Fluorescein Angiography

  A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in the arm. Photographs of the retina are taken rapidly as the dye passes through the retinal blood vessels. It helps in identifying what structures and areas need treatment with laser.

Yes, Diabetic retinopathy is treatable when diagnosed at the right time. Management involves investigations such as fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) followed by diabetic retinopathy treatment.

At Shroff Eye Centre, we have a dedicated team of Vitreo-Retinal specialists committed to providing the best possible care to protect your vision.

The goal of diabetic retinopathy treatment is to slow or stop the progression of the disease.

In the early stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, regular monitoring of the retina and strict glycemic control may be the only treatment.

Regular exercise, diet modification and lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar levels and thus control the progression of the disease.

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, it may need treatment with Laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections and diabetic retinopathy surgery.

Read more about Diabetic Retinopathy treatment here

Diabetic retinopathy is a preventable condition. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to remember to:

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  Get regular complete eye exams including retina check-up once a year or more frequently if advised. EARLY DETECTION of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against sight loss. This allows us to begin treatment before sight is affected.

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  Control blood sugar levels.

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  Control associated conditions like hypertension, increased blood lipids & cholesterol and renal (kidney) disease.

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  Exercise regularly.

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  Not miss follow up visits with your eye doctor.

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  Watch out for any changes in vision.

However, good control in itself does not guarantee freedom from diabetic retinopathy. This is why regular eye exams are a must for diabetics.