Diabetic Retinopathy

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Magdalena Krzystolik, MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School
October 3, 2013

What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy results FROM the effects of the diabetes on blood vessels in the retina, the
tissue which lines the inner eye. Diabetes causes retinal blood vessels to leak and grow abnormally.

There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative and proliferative. In non-
proliferative diabetic retinopathy, patients may have normal vision. The damaged retinal vessels leak
fluid. Fat and protein particles may leak FROM these vessels and become deposited in the retina in
patches known as retinal exudates. The retinal blood vessels may bleed INTO the retina and result in
tiny hemorrhages. If any of the leaky fluid accumulates in the central part of the retina (called the
macula), the vision is affected. This condition is called macular edema.

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, patients grow new abnormal blood vessels which extend over
the surface of the retina. These vessels occasionally invade the gelatinous contents of the eye, the
vitreous. The proliferating blood vessels frequently break, causing vitreous bleeding that may
significantly decrease vision. Fibrous tissue may grow over the new blood vessels and distort vision.
Occasionally, the tissue may contract and pull the retina off the inner surface of the eye, causing a
tractional retinal detachment.

Who gets diabetic retinopathy?
Both Type I and Type II diabetes patients develop diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the
leading cause of blindness in patients 20 to 74.

How do I know if I have diabetic retinopathy?
Patients may develop advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy without being aware that the disease
is progressing. Type I diabetics should undergo a screening retinal examination by an
ophthalmologist within the five years of the diagnosis of their diabetes. Type II diabetics should
undergo this examination when their diabetes is diagnosed. Occasionally, a doctor may choose to
perform an additional test called a fluorescein angiogram to view the retinal blood vessels.

Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
The best treatment is prevention. Strict control of blood sugar levels slows the development and
progression of diabetic retinopathy. Pre-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy may be
treated with laser photocoagulation. Macular edema may also be treated with laser therapy.

Who treats patients with diabetic retinopathy?
Ophthalmologists (M.D.s) examine and treat patients with diabetic retinopathy. An eye physician
may refer a patient to a subspecialty ophthalmologist if the problem is severe.

How do I get more information?
Please call your local eye care professional for more information regarding diabetic retinopathy. To

arrange for an appointment in the New England area with an ophthalmologist call the Massachusetts
Eye and Ear Infirmary, General Eye Consultation Service at (617) 573-3202.
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Figure 1
Photograph of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Notice the frond-like vessels coming FROM the optic disk which
represent neovascular vessels. Photograph courtesy of Ms. Audrey Melanson

The information and recommendations appearing on these pages are informational only and is not
intended to be a basis for diagnosis, treatment or any other clinical application. For specific
information concerning your personal medical condition, the DJO suggests that you consult your
physician.



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