Repositioning of a dislocated IOL using the Lasso technique

Lasso Technique for Dislocated IOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgEVbcuBl9g&feature=em-upload_owner

For Cataract & Glaucoma related information

For information on cataract & Glaucoma related conditions please see drvineetratra.blogspot.in

Diabetic retinopathy information- Part 2

How do I know whether I have diabetic retinopathy?

Early stages of diabetic retinopathy do not cause any symptoms unless the central portion, the macula is affected. Many times even with advanced proliferative retinopathy the vision may be completely normal. However as the retinopathy progresses severe vision loss and even blindness may occur.  It is best not to wait for symptoms to occur. A complete eye check up must be done periodically even if you have good vision.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are-

Distorted central vision

Blurred vision

Difficulty in reading small print

Black spots or lines in vision

Blacked out or blank areas in the field of vision

Total loss of vision

How is diabetic retinopathy detected?

A complete eye check up which includes examination of the retina after instillation of eye drops to widen the pupil of the eye can detect diabetic retinopathy. The doctor uses an instrument known as the indirect ophthalmoscope along with a magnifying lens to look inside your eye and examine the retina. The changes of diabetic retinopathy can be easily seen on this examination. The treating doctor may advise a few investigations to confirm the presence or absence of new vessels, and swelling of the macular area.

What are the tests done for diabetic retinopathy?

Fluorescein angiography-

The doctor may advise a test called as fluorescein angiography to check for presence of leakage from abnormal blood vessels or damaged capillaries and loss of small blood vessels. In this test, first the pupils of your eyes are dilated using eye drops. Then a dye called as sodium fluorescein is injected in the vein in the arm. Photos are taken serially every 1-2 seconds as the dye passes through the retinal vessels. After 10 minutes a late phase photo is taken. This test shows the leaking areas and helps in planning and execution of laser treatment. Some patients experience nausea after the injection of sodium fluorescein. Otherwise the test is safe and serious complications are extremely rare.

Fundus photo of diabetic retinopathy

Fluorescein angiogram of the same eye shows leakage

  

Optical Coherence Tomography-

Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT for short, is another test routinely advised for patients with diabetic retinopathy, especially those with macular involvement. This is a non-invasive scan test which gives a cross sectional view of the central retina known as the macula. This test gives microscopic details about the macular area. It can show the retinal thickening and accumulation of fluid in the retina and below it. Moreover the thickness of retina can be measured. Serial scans can show whether treatment has been effective in controlling the retinal swelling or not. 

OCT scan shows thickening of the macular area and fluid spaces in the retina and under the retina

How often do I need to undergo these tests?

In early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy generally no tests are required. If the retinopathy progresses to proliferative stage or if macular edema develops, these tests are done more frequently. If you are on treatment for macular edema, the OCT may be done every month and fluorescein angiography may be done every 3-6 months.