Diabetic Retinopathy Screening & Treatment

**Dr. Mahmoud Hassan** **Consultant Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgeon** FRCS Glasgow · FICO · MRCS Edinburgh --- Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, significantly affecting the retina. It results in many complications, the most prominent and widespread of which is diabetic retinopathy. In its early stages, the patient usually does not notice it much, but it is a progressive disease that can lead to permanent vision loss. In this article, we will discuss the most important matters related to diabetic retinopathy through Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a retinal surgeon at Mashreq Eye Center, who holds a Master's degree in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh - England, and a fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmology. We will also clarify the importance of retinal examination for diabetic patients and methods of preventing diabetic retinopathy. Follow us. Diabetic Retinopathy Before explaining how the retina is examined for diabetic patients, we must first understand the nature of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes, which damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to fluid leakage or hemorrhage. As a result, vision becomes blurred, and the condition can worsen to complete vision loss. It is essential to treat blurred vision in diabetic patients. How is the retina examined for diabetic patients? Retinal examination for diabetic patients is performed through a comprehensive eye exam and retinal examination using pupil-dilating drops, in addition to other tests and examinations focused on evaluating the retina. These examinations include: Visual acuity measurement to assess central vision. Refraction test to determine if the patient needs a new glasses prescription. Retina and optic nerve evaluation using a retinal examination device with retinal examination drops and pupil dilation. Intraocular pressure measurement. Retinal imaging or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fluorescein angiography to assess the condition of abnormal blood vessel growth. You might be interested in: Retinal hole surgery cost Is retinal detachment surgery successful? Side effects of retinal examination drops Retinal examination for diabetic patients may affect visual acuity for a few hours after the examination due to the eye drops used in fundus examination. Therefore, driving should be avoided until the person regains proper visual acuity and ensures that diabetic blurry vision is treated. Why is fundus examination performed for children? If a child has Type 1 diabetes, fundus examination is performed regularly for children to ensure the safety of the retina and optic nerve. It also educates the child about the necessity of following a healthy lifestyle and diet to avoid the risks of diabetes. Causes and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy In the context of discussing retinal examination for diabetic patients, Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a retinal surgeon at Mashreq Eye Center, who holds a Master's degree in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh - England, and a fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmology, indicates that all diabetic patients are at risk of developing retinal diseases, and retinal injections are administered for diabetic patients. However, there are some factors that increase the risk, and these reasons are due to the following: Very high blood sugar levels that are difficult to control and treat. Patients with high blood pressure. Significantly high cholesterol levels in the blood. Smoking increases the risk of retinal complications from diabetes. Pregnancy with existing diabetes. You might be interested in learning about the cost of retinal detachment surgery in Egypt Tips for preventing diabetic retinopathy It should be understood that the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the higher the chance of saving vision and the more effective the treatment outcome. Therefore, here are some guidelines that should be taken into account specifically for diabetic patients, including: Controlling blood sugar levels through daily measurement and HbA1c measurement every 3 months. Regular follow-up with a diabetes and endocrinology doctor. Regular blood pressure measurement. Engaging in exercise and healthy eating. Regularly visiting a specialized and experienced retinal doctor to ensure that the eye is not affected by diabetic complications. If you are a diabetic patient, contact us for a routine check-up or a special consultation at the clinic of Dr. Mahmoud Hassan, a retinal surgeon at Mashreq Eye Center, who holds a Master's degree in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh - England, and a fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmology. Our medical team is waiting to provide you with the best treatment solutions and appropriate care. Frequently Asked Questions You Might Find Useful Why does diabetes affect the retina? Diabetes affects the retina due to damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina. High blood sugar levels damage these blood vessels, which can lead to bleeding or rupture of blood vessels in the retina. What are the signs of retinal weakness? Signs of retinal weakness include seeing floating spots or flashes of light, blurred vision or blind spots in central vision, hazy vision, or vision loss in some areas of the visual field. --- **Importance of Retinal Examination Before Cataract Surgery** Retinal examination is an essential step before undergoing cataract surgery to detect any early retinal problems that may affect the outcome of the operation and clarity of vision afterward. Learn more through our service [Vitreous Removal and Retinal Detachment Repair](/ar/services/vitrectomy-retinal-detachment).