Shri Ganesh Vinayak Eye Hospital (SGVEH) • Raipur
Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Treatment
Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that damages the retina. High blood sugar levels cause retinal blood vessels to leak, swell, or close, leading to vision loss if not treated by a specialist.
At SGVEH Raipur, Dr. Charudutt Kalamkar (MS AIIMS, New Delhi) uses gold-standard technology to detect and treat diabetic eye diseases before they become permanent.
MS (AIIMS, New Delhi) • Vitreo-Retinal Specialist
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when prolonged high blood sugar damages the microvasculature of the eye. It is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Initially, you may notice no changes, but as the condition progresses, it can cause bleeding inside the eye and retinal detachment.
Are You at Risk?
The risk of developing retinopathy increases the longer you live with diabetes. Key factors include:
Disease Duration
Risk increases significantly after 10–15 years of being diabetic.
HbA1c Levels
Uncontrolled blood sugar (HbA1c > 7%) accelerates retinal damage.
Hypertension
High blood pressure adds strain to delicate retinal vessels.
Symptoms & Stages of Progression
Common Warning Signs
- Floating dark spots or "cobwebs" (Floaters)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in central vision
- Difficulty perceiving colors accurately
The Clinical Stages
Non-Proliferative (NPDR): Early stage where vessels leak fluid or fats into the retina.
Proliferative (PDR): Advanced stage where fragile new vessels grow and bleed into the vitreous.
Advanced Treatment Modalities
Anti-VEGF Injections
Medicines like Lucentis or Avastin help reduce macular swelling and stop abnormal vessel growth.
Retinal Laser Therapy
Precision laser (Photocoagulation) seals leaking vessels and shrinks abnormal new growth.
Vitrectomy Surgery
A microsurgical procedure used for advanced cases involving vitreous hemorrhage or detachment.
The "ABC" of Vision Protection
Regular annual dilated eye exams are the most effective way to prevent 95% of diabetes-related blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
While advanced damage is permanent, early-stage NPDR can be managed and its progression halted through strict sugar control and specialist intervention.
Is the eye injection painful?
No. We use numbing drops and very fine needles. Most patients describe it as a slight pressure sensation rather than pain.
How often should I see a retina specialist?
Diabetic patients should have a comprehensive retinal exam at least once a year, or more frequently if any damage is detected.
Don't Wait for Vision Loss
Schedule your professional retina screening with Dr. Charudutt Kalamkar today at Shri Ganesh Vinayak Eye Hospital, Raipur.