Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: causes, symptom and treatments

How diabetes affects eyesight

Sustained high blood sugar weakens the vessel walls, making them bulge. This causes leaking and retinal swelling that's responsible for blurry vision occurring in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. 

As scar tissue accumulates, it can contract and pull the delicate underlying retinal layers away from the eyewall (known as a retinal detachment) leading to permanent vision loss. That's why proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among diabetics.

If you experience a sudden onset of any of the above symptoms or sense that a curtain has been pulled over your visual field, this can be a sign of a detached retina, a medical emergency.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatments

The gold standard treatment for PDR and macular edema is with medications that are applied directly within the affected eye via injection.

These medications, known as the anti-VEGF class, are designed to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels and to keep damaged vessels from leaking: 

How anti-VEGF medications work

Anti-VEGF medications work by blocking a protein responsible for the growth of abnormal blood vessels (called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF). These medications also stop weak vessels from leaking. Because of this, anti-VEGF treatments can prevent further vision loss and may even improve vision in some cases. 

Anti-VEGF medications are administered via injection into your eye (once it has been numbed) using a very fine needle the thickness of a human hair. This is performed in our office. Typically, you are given several treatments in the first few months, and then fewer treatments over time. 

Proliferative retinopathy FAQs

Can proliferative retinopathy be cured?

While there is no cure for proliferative retinopathy, there are treatments available that can help manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. The treatment’s primary goal is to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.

Some of the treatments available for proliferative retinopathy include laser photocoagulation, which uses a laser to seal off leaking blood vessels, and injections of medications that can help prevent the growth of new blood vessels.

Can you get disability for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

To receive disability benefits, an individual must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) eligibility requirements. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability and considers an individual disabled if they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death and that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

What is the first sign of diabetic retinopathy? 

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

• Blurred or distorted vision: Blood vessels in the retina can leak fluid, causing the retina to swell and leading to distorted or blurred vision.
• Floaters: Small specks or spots that seem to float across the visual field.
• Reduced color vision: Colors may appear faded or washed out.
• Dark or empty areas in the vision: As the condition progresses, blood vessels can become blocked, leading to dark or empty areas in the visual field.
• Vision loss: If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause significant vision loss or blindness.

What causes diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina, which is part of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) are characteristic of diabetes. In addition to causing vision problems, kidney damage is another common result of elevated blood sugar levels.

What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy are:

• Mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: In this stage, small areas of swelling called microaneurysms appear in the retina’s blood vessels.
• Moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: In addition to microaneurysms, some of the blood vessels in the retina become blocked.
• Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: Many more blood vessels become blocked, which can lead to the formation of new blood vessels in the retina.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: In this advanced stage, new blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface and into the vitreous gel, the clear substance that fills the eye. These new blood vessels are fragile and can bleed, leading to vision loss or blindness.

Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed with diet?

While diet can play a role in managing diabetes, it is not typically sufficient to reverse diabetic retinopathy once it has developed. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can result from high blood sugar levels over a long period. The best way to prevent and manage diabetic retinopathy is to maintain reasonable blood sugar control through a combination of healthy eating, exercise, and medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Why choose AGEI to manage your diabetic eye disease

The AGEI staff includes a highly-skilled retina specialist Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina or “Dr. P”, as she is known to her patients. Dr. P is a Stanford educated and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist. She is board certified in diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina.

Dr. Pilyugina has extensive experience in the treatment of diabetic eye conditions and all other retinal conditions.

To schedule an appointment, either call 866-945-2745 or click here to make an appointment online.