Defend Your Vision with Early Screening and Specialised Care for Diabetic Eye Disease

When Diabetes Affects Your Sight

Diabetes is a chronic condition with many hidden risks, one of the most serious is its impact on vision. Known as Diabetic Eye Disease, this group of complications can lead to progressive vision loss and, if left untreated, even blindness. At iSurgeon, we are committed to helping patients living with diabetes protect their eyesight through early detection, ongoing monitoring, and personalised treatment.

What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic Eye Disease is a general term that includes several eye conditions caused by the effects of high blood sugar levels on the eye’s delicate blood vessels. The most common and serious of these is Diabetic Retinopathy, which damages the retina the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain.

Over time, persistently high blood sugar can lead to:

• Leaking or swelling blood vessels in the retina
• Abnormal blood vessel growth
• Scar tissue and retinal detachment
• Vision impairment or blindness

Other related conditions include:

• Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME): Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision
  Cataracts: Develop earlier and more rapidly in diabetic patients
• Glaucoma: Risk increases due to pressure-related changes in the eye

Who is at Risk?

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic eye disease. However, certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Long duration of diabetes
• Poor blood sugar control
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Family history of retinopathy

At iSurgeon, we consider these risk factors during your annual diabetic eye screening to ensure we monitor closely and proactively.

Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease often develops silently, with no obvious symptoms until vision has already been affected. That’s why regular screening is critical.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Spots or floaters
• Dark or empty areas in the vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sudden vision loss (in severe cases)

These symptoms can affect one or both eyes. If you notice any of them, seek immediate evaluation to prevent further damage.

How Diabetes Damages the Retina

The retina requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina through a process called microangiopathy, leading to:

1. Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR):
   Early stage with weakened, leaking vessels that may cause swelling or bleeding.
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR):
   Advanced stage with the growth of abnormal vessels that are fragile and prone to bleeding, leading to scar tissue and possible retinal detachment.
3. Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME):
   Swelling of the central part of the retina, affecting sharp vision.

At iSurgeon, we use advanced retinal imaging to detect these changes before symptoms appear.

Diagnostic Tools at iSurgeon

Early detection is the cornerstone of successful diabetic eye care. iSurgeon offers advanced, non-invasive imaging and testing, including:

• Dilated Eye Exams: Allows direct examination of the retina and blood vessels
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution cross-sections of the retina to detect swelling or structural damage
  Fundus Photography: Captures detailed colour images for tracking disease progression.
• Fluorescein Angiography: Highlights abnormal blood vessels using a special dye.
• OCT Angiography: A modern, dye-free alternative to map blood flow in the retina

These tools help us monitor subtle changes, ensuring prompt intervention when necessary.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Eye Disease

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition. At iSurgeon, we personalise each care plan to stabilise or improve vision.

1. Blood Sugar and Lifestyle Control

The foundation of managing diabetic eye disease is good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. iSurgeon works in partnership with your GP or endocrinologist to ensure your general health supports your eye care.

2. Anti-VEGF Injections

For patients with proliferative retinopathy or macular oedema, we may recommend injections of anti-VEGF medication (e.g., Eylea®, Avastin®, Lucentis®). These drugs:

• Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth
• Control leakage
• Shrink swelling in the macula

Treatments are typically administered monthly at first and then spaced out depending on response.

3. Laser Therapy

• Focal/Grid Laser: Targets leaking vessels in the macula
• Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP): Treats widespread abnormal vessels to prevent bleeding and preserve vision

Laser therapy has a long track record of stabilising diabetic retinopathy and reducing the risk of severe vision loss.

4. Vitrectomy Surgery

In advanced cases with bleeding or retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery may be required. This procedure removes blood and scar tissue from the vitreous (gel-like substance in the eye) to restore clarity and reattach the retina if needed.

Living with Diabetic Eye Disease

Although the condition can be serious, many people live full and independent lives with proper management.

Tips for daily eye health:

• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
• Get an annual dilated eye exam
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s
• Stay physically active
• Stop smoking
• Use a log or app to track vision changes
• Communicate any symptoms to your eye care provider immediately

iSurgeon’s Approach to Diabetic Eye Care

At iSurgeon, early education and continuous care lead to the best outcomes. Our patient-first approach includes:

• Tailored treatment plans based on disease stage and lifestyle
• Coordinated care with diabetes specialists
• State-of-the-art imaging for precise diagnosis and monitoring
• Compassionate communication to help you understand and manage your condition
• Convenient clinic locations at Southgate Mall and Edenvale
• Follow-up reminders and accessible bookings to keep your care on track

Prevention is Power

Diabetic eye disease is preventable and manageable. The sooner it’s caught, the better your chance of preserving your vision. Here’s what you can do right now:

• Book an eye exam even if you don’t have symptoms
• Ask your doctor to refer you to iSurgeon for a diabetic eye screening
• Encourage loved ones with diabetes to take their eye health seriously

See the Future Clearly

Vision loss from diabetes doesn’t happen overnight, but once it begins, it can be challenging to reverse. That’s why proactive care is vital. At iSurgeon, we’re here to protect your sight with expert knowledge, the latest technology, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.

Book Your Diabetic Eye Screening Today

Don’t wait for symptoms. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with iSurgeon and take control of your vision and your future.