The main cause of diabetic retinopathy is the rise in blood sugar level (Hyperglycaemia) which causes weakness of retinal blood vessels leading to leakage of blood causing swelling in retina. Controlling diabetes is important as it may reduce the risk and severity of damage in retina.

Diabetic retinopathy is broadly classified in two types:

1. Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)
It is early stage which damages retinal blood vessels by causing micro aneurysms (mild bulge in blood vessels ), Hemorrhages in retina, Exudates(deposits of cholesterol), Macular edema (swelling in specific part of retina which is macula), capillary closure (blockage of capillary vessels) depending on severity it is classified as mild, moderate, severe.

2. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)
It is advance stage in which there is abnormal growth of blood vessels, haemorrhage in vitreous and can cause detachment of retina. In early stage there is new blood vessels growth. In advance stage it may lead to vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment or can even cause scarring and there is sudden vision drop in advance stage, severe stage is abnormal retinal pull which may cause retinal detachment and may cause permanent vision loss.

Anti –VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injection are responsible for controlling VEGF activity (controlling abnormal blood vessels growth). These injection are directly injected in eye and reduces swelling, prevents leakage and helps in keeping vision stable. Anti-VEGF drugs are Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, Bevacizumab. Depending on severity and response in patient’s eye injection is given.

Benefits: Improves vision (in many patients there is improvement of vision or vision gets stable), it is a quick procedure; it helps in controlling and prevents from further progression.
If people experience floaters, flashes, sudden loss of vision or vision fluctuation, do consult ophthalmologist.

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