Diabetic Retinopathy: Most Effective Supplements

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the small blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. It is caused by high blood sugar levels that damage these vessels, causing fluid leaks, bleeding, and, in more severe cases, the formation of new abnormal vessels. These vessels, which develop on the surface of the retina to compensate for a lack of oxygen, can cause serious vision problems. This condition is a leading cause of blindness among people under 65, affecting about 50% of people with type 2 diabetes.

Pathophysiology

Diabetic retinopathy begins with damage to the retinal capillaries due to prolonged hyperglycemia. This leads to increased permeability of the retinal vessels, causing retinal edema, particularly in the macula, the area of the retina responsible for precise vision. As the capillaries become blocked, the eye reacts by forming new vessels (proliferative retinopathy) that are fragile and may bleed, leading to complications such as retinal detachment.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. Other factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia (high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides), obesity, and smoking also play an important role in the progression of the disease. Pregnancy and puberty can also worsen retinopathy, due to increased insulin needs during these periods.

Symptoms

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not present any symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may experience a decrease in visual acuity, blurred or fluctuating vision, or see dark spots in their visual field. In advanced cases, the disease can lead to blindness.

Treatment

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy primarily involves strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure, which are essential for slowing the progression of the disease. Specific treatments include laser photocoagulation to treat retinal ischemia and prevent the proliferation of new vessels. Intraocular injections of anti-VEGF are used to curb this proliferation and reduce macular edema. In cases of severe complications, such as hemorrhages or retinal detachment, vitrectomy may be necessary.

Prevention

The best prevention against diabetic retinopathy is strict control of blood sugar and cardiovascular risk factors. Regular fundus examinations, at least once a year, are essential to detect the disease at an early stage, before serious symptoms appear. Good management of oxidative stress and glycation can also help to delay the onset of diabetes-related complications.