Overview

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults worldwide. The condition develops gradually and often without early warning signs, making regular eye examinations essential for diabetic patients. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, offers expert care in the prevention, early diagnosis, and advanced treatment of diabetic retinopathy, helping patients preserve their vision and maintain quality of life.

Cause of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these vessels may:

• Swell and leak fluid (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
  
  
• Close off completely, depriving areas of the retina of blood supply
  
  
• Lead to the growth of abnormal new blood vessels (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), which are fragile and prone to bleeding
  
  

Risk factors include:

• Long-standing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
  
  
• Poor blood sugar control
  
  
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
  
  
• Kidney disease
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Pregnancy in diabetic women
  
  

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In early stages, diabetic retinopathy may have no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
  
  
• Dark spots or floaters in vision
  
  
• Impaired color vision
  
  
• Vision loss, especially in central vision
  
  
• Sudden onset of visual disturbances in advanced cases
  
  

Routine eye exams are critical, as symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred.

Diagnosis

Dr. Rakesh Gupta uses advanced diagnostic techniques to detect diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stages. These include:

• Dilated Fundus Examination: Allows detailed inspection of the retina
  
  
• Fundus Photography: Documents retinal changes for monitoring disease progression
  
  
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional imaging to detect retinal swelling or fluid accumulation
  
  
• Fluorescein Angiography: Highlights abnormal blood vessels or areas of leakage in the retina
  
  

Comprehensive screening enables accurate staging of the disease and guides appropriate treatment.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to slow or stop the progression of the disease and preserve vision. Dr. Rakesh Gupta offers a full range of evidence-based treatments tailored to the severity of the condition:

1. Medical Management

• Tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is crucial in slowing disease progression.
  
  
• Coordination with a diabetologist or primary care physician is often advised for optimal systemic control.
  
  

2. Intravitreal Injections

• Anti-VEGF drugs (e.g., Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea) are injected into the eye to reduce fluid leakage and shrink abnormal blood vessels.
  
  
• Steroid injections may also be used in selected cases.
  
  

3. Laser Photocoagulation

• Focal or grid laser is used to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce macular edema.
  
  
• Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) helps in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy by shrinking abnormal blood vessels.
  
  

4. Vitrectomy Surgery

• In advanced cases with vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery is performed to restore vision and prevent further damage.
  
  

Conclusion

Diabetic Retinopathy is preventable and manageable with early detection and proper treatment. Under the expertise of Dr. Rakesh Gupta, patients receive state-of-the-art care for diabetic eye disease, supported by the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies. Emphasizing a personalized approach and patient education, Dr. Gupta ensures that each patient is empowered to protect their vision against the effects of diabetes.