Diabetic Retinopathy
The most common diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy. It affects 3 out of every 10 people who have diabetes in Singapore. It is a condition in which the tiny capillaries of the retina (nerve layer) are damaged. Blood vessels on the retina will enlarge and leak fluid, or aberrant new blood vessels will form on it.
Monitoring
Monitoring is performed on a regular basis in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy when there are only minor retinal abnormalities.
Anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) Therapy
This treatment may be used to treat macular oedema in the eyes (swelling of the central retina). Anti-VEGF eye injections, such as Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Eylea (aflibercept), can assist to minimise swelling, lessen the severity of diabetic retinopathy, and enhance vision.
Laser Treatments
Laser Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP) treatment is recommended in the later stages of the disease to reduce its progression and prevent vision loss. A focal laser is used to treat macular oedema and decrease swelling. This laser treatment will prevent the development of new abnormal blood vessels.
Diabetic Eye Surgery
In severe circumstances, such as extensive bleeding into the eye or retinal detachment, surgery, such as a vitrectomy, may be required to remove the leaked blood or reattach the retina. This aids in the control and stabilisation of eyes afflicted with severe proliferative diabetic eye disease.
Determine the Best Possible Treatment With Early Diabetic Eye Screening
Most individuals, including diabetics, are unaware that diabetes can have an impact on the eyes. The vast majority of those with diabetic eye disease go undiagnosed and untreated. Diabetic eye screening is highly valuable in detecting the disease early so that optimal treatment can begin.