Diabetes and Your Eyes: Preventing Retinopathy Before It’s Too Late | LJ Eye Institute, Patiala
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges across the world, and while most people are aware of its impact on the heart, kidneys, and nerves, its effect on vision is often underestimated. One of the most common and serious complications of diabetes is Diabetic Retinopathy, a condition that damages the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). If ignored, it can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. The good news? With timely diagnosis and treatment, this condition is preventable and manageable.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these vessels may swell, leak fluid, or bleed, leading to blurred or distorted vision. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, causing scarring and retinal detachment.
There are two main stages:
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage, often without noticeable symptoms.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage, where new abnormal vessels form and may cause bleeding inside the eye.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Diabetic Retinopathy often develops silently. Many patients notice changes only when the disease has already advanced. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Faded colors
- Sudden vision loss
If you have diabetes, never ignore even mild vision changes—early action is crucial.
Prevention: Protecting Your Eyes from Retinopathy
The best way to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy is to take proactive steps:
- Control Blood Sugar: Maintain target glucose levels as advised by your doctor.
- Monitor Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Both can worsen eye damage.
- Schedule Annual Eye Exams: Even without symptoms, yearly comprehensive eye check-ups are essential.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetic eye disease.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management support overall eye health.
Treatment Options at LJ Eye Institute, Patiala
At LJ Eye Institute, we understand how important your vision is. Our team of highly experienced retina specialists uses advanced technology to diagnose and treat Diabetic Retinopathy at all stages.
- Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation): Seals leaking blood vessels and prevents further damage.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling in the retina.
- Vitrectomy Surgery: Removes blood and scar tissue from the eye in advanced cases.
- Regular Monitoring: Digital retinal scans and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for accurate follow-ups.
With over two decades of trusted expertise, Dr. Ruchi Mittal and the retina team provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s condition.
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute, Patiala?
- Experienced Retina Specialists with 20+ years of expertise.
- State-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment.
- Affordable care for middle and upper-middle-class patients.
- Patient-centered approach, ensuring comfort, safety, and long-term results.
At LJEI, we don’t just treat the disease—we help patients manage their condition, prevent recurrence, and maintain healthy eyesight.