Dr. Md. Emranul Islam Abir
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Dr. Md. Emranul Islam Abir

# Diabetic retinopathy: what to know

Why regular retinal screening matters for anyone living with diabetes.

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Diabetic Eye

## What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Over time, these vessels can leak, swell or grow abnormally, affecting the retina's ability to send clear images to the brain. It is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss among adults with diabetes.

## Why regular screening matters

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms — vision can still feel normal even as changes are occurring in the retina. This is why routine retinal screening, rather than waiting for symptoms, is essential for anyone living with diabetes, regardless of how well blood sugar is controlled.

## Stages of the condition

- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) — early stage, with weakened and leaking blood vessels
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) — advanced stage, with abnormal new vessel growth that carries a higher risk of bleeding and vision loss
- Diabetic macular edema — swelling in the macula, which can occur at any stage and directly affects sharp, central vision

## Treatment options

Depending on the stage and severity, treatment may include tighter blood sugar control, laser photocoagulation to stabilise abnormal vessels, or intravitreal anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling and slow disease progression. OCT imaging is used to track the macula closely and guide treatment decisions over time.

## Key takeaway

If you have diabetes, an annual dilated retinal examination — even with no symptoms — is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term vision.

This article is for general patient education and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given by Dr. Abir for your treatment.
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