Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small vessels of the retina caused by chronically high blood sugar. It remains asymptomatic for a long time: normal vision does not rule out early lesions, hence the importance of systematic screening in everyone with diabetes.
Screening
A fundus examination is recommended at diagnosis of diabetes, then regularly (usually once a year). It may be supplemented with retinal photographs and OCT.
Progression
Without treatment, the disease can progress to a proliferative form (fragile new vessels) or macular oedema, the main causes of vision loss in diabetes.
Treatment
The best treatment is preventive: good control of blood sugar (HbA1c) and blood pressure. Depending on the stage: laser (photocoagulation) and/or intravitreal injections for macular oedema.
Book an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).