Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that compromises the retina (inner layer of the eye where images are formed) caused by diabetes. It is due to damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). On this occasion, Dr. Fiorella Norabuena, ophthalmologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the matter.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are:

• Poor control of diabetes what causes high glucose levels
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Symptoms

In general, the patient may initially have no symptoms; however, some of these may appear when the disease is in an advanced stage, such as:

• Decreased vision
• Dark spots or strands in the visual field

Diagnosis

It is performed by means of an eye fundus examination by dilating the pupil.

Complications

The complications that can occur are:

• Hemorrhages in the vitreous
• Detached retina
• Neovascular glaucoma
• Blindness

Recommendations

It is important to keep an adequate control of glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. All newly diagnosed diabetic patients must pass an evaluation by an ophthalmologist for the performance of the eye fundus.

Dr. Fiorella Norabuena
Ophthalmologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma