Diabetic Retinopathy

Question 1

What is diabetic retinopathy

Answer 1

Vascular disease of the retina
*type 1 or 2

Question 2

What is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in US of adults 20-65

Answer 2

Diabetic retinopathy

Question 3

What percentage of people with Type I DM will develop diabetic retinopathy after 20 years

Answer 3

99%

Question 4

What percentage of people with Type II DM will develop diabetic retinopathy after 20 years

Answer 4

60%
*up to 20% with type II DM will be evident of DR at time of diagnosis

Question 5

Why is diabetic retinopathy so common

Answer 5

There is usually no changes to the vision
*as time goes on vision is affected and irreversible damage and loss can occur

Question 6

What happens to the retinal capillaries in DR

Answer 6

The capillaries become diseased and lose ability to transport RBC (O2)
*nourishment to retina becomes deficient
*leads to hypoxia and eventually ischemia

Question 7

What are the different types of DR

Answer 7

1. Non proliferative retinopathy
   *mild
   *moderate
   *severe
2. Proliferative retinopathy
   *macular involvement

*types of background retinopathy

Question 8

What are characteristics of background retinopathy

Answer 8

Present in the background, not itself a danger to vision
1. Is a warning sign that serious damage may begin

Question 9

What are the signs of DR

Answer 9

1. Blurred, distorted vision
2. Tightly controlled chronic hyperglycemia
3. Retinal hemorrhages
4. Cotton wool spots
5. Neovascularization

Question 10

What is the treatment of DR

Answer 10

Refer to ophthalmology
1. Control glucose
2. Rental angiography
3. Laser photocoagulation to prevent further vision loss
4. Annual eye exam
5. Tx will prevent any further injury to eye, but cannot restore Vision

Question 11

What is the prognosis of DR

Answer 11

1. Blindness
2. Steadily control blood glucose levels
3. Patient education
   *understand disease process