Types of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is more common in type II (life style diabetes) as compared to Type I cases (from early childhood).  In some rare cases the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy are seen in the initial stages but generally only basic symptoms are visible such as dark spots floating in your vision, blurred and fluctuating vision, vision loss, difficulty with color perception; and dark or empty areas in vision.

There are majorly 3 types of Diabetic Retinopathy:

1. Clinically significant macular edema (CSME)- Usually characterised by swelling of macula, it is more common in people with type 2 diabetes. Patient suffering from this type faces problems like distorted or reduced vision.

2. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)- It is the first or early stage of Diabetic Retinopathy and can occur anytime after diabetes being diagnosed. In patients with type 1 diabetes, symptoms are rarewly seen even after diagnosis of the disease, whereas, in type 2 diabetes its symptoms are visible during diagnosis.

3. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)- Patients suffering from this type has the maximum risk of vision loss along with problems like retinal detachment or glaucoma.

The best antidote is patients diagnosed with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam once every year as the chances of having Diabetic Retinopathy increases with the time.  If diagnosed in time, your doctor can help you in preventing its progression. Remember the key is early detection and timely treatment as only this can prevent vision loss.