DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive substances (radiotracers) to diagnose and treat diseases. Patients are given a small amount of radioactive material, which is detected by a special camera to create images of organs or body functions.
When a person has diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. Over time, this can lead to the development of diabetic retinopathy.
There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage, small blood vessels in the retina weaken and develop tiny bulges called microaneurysms. These microaneurysms can leak fluid into the retina, causing swelling and impairing vision.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): In this advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels start to grow on the surface of the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile and can bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. The bleeding can cause floaters, blurred vision, and, in severe cases, may lead to retinal detachment.
Diabetic retinopathy often affects both eyes and can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The risk of developing this condition increases with the duration of diabetes, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking.
Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing at night, dark or empty areas in the visual field, and the appearance of floaters or spots.
Regular eye examinations are essential for detecting and managing diabetic retinopathy. Treatment options include laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, injections of medications into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and in severe cases, surgery to remove blood and scar tissue.
Managing diabetes and maintaining good blood sugar control is crucial in preventing and slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and leading a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk and severity of this condition.