Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye complication caused by diabetes, leading to progressive damage to the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can result in vision loss or blindness. At Bangkok Eye Hospital, we specialize in the early detection, management, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy to help preserve vision. Causes and Risk Factors What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy develops due to high blood sugar levels damaging the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak or become blocked. Who is at Risk? People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Long-term Diabetes Patients – Risk increases the longer you have diabetes Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels – Poor diabetes management accelerates eye damage High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol – Contribute to blood vessel damage Pregnant Women with Diabetes – Higher risk during pregnancy Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Blurred or fluctuating vision Dark spots or floaters in vision Difficulty seeing at night Loss of central or peripheral vision Seeing faded colors Sudden vision loss in severe cases Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy Early vs. Advanced Stages Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) Early stage with mild to moderate retinal blood vessel damage May not cause noticeable vision loss initially Requires regular eye checkups to monitor progression Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) Advanced stage with abnormal new blood vessels forming in the retina High risk of bleeding, scarring, and retinal detachment Can cause severe vision loss or blindness Diagnosis and Treatment Options How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed? Comprehensive Eye Examination – Includes vision tests and retina evaluation Dilated Eye Exam – Allows a closer look at the retina and blood vessels Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Scans for swelling and fluid buildup Fluorescein Angiography – Identifies leaking or blocked blood vessels Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Early-Stage Management Blood Sugar Control – Helps slow disease progression Lifestyle Adjustments – Healthy diet, exercise, and blood pressure management Regular Eye Checkups – Essential for monitoring changes Advanced Treatment Options Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation) – Seals leaking blood vessels and prevents abnormal growth Intravitreal Injections – Medications to reduce swelling and slow disease progression Vitrectomy Surgery – Removes blood and scar tissue in severe cases Prevention and Eye Care Tips How to Reduce the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy Maintain stable blood sugar levels Control blood pressure and cholesterol Have annual comprehensive eye exams Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption Follow a diabetes-friendly diet and stay active Why Choose Bangkok Eye Hospital for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment? Experienced Retina Specialists – Experts in diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools – Early detection with advanced imaging technology Personalized Treatment Plans – Tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle Comprehensive Diabetes Eye Care – Full support for long-term eye health management Schedule an Eye Screening Today Protect your vision with early detection and expert care. Book a consultation with our diabetic retinopathy specialists at Bangkok Eye Hospital today.