#33. Diabetic retinopathy and retinal changes in hypertension.

Question 1

What is DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Answer 1

• DISEASE of the RETINA
• DUE to MICROANGIOPATHY, FROM Long-Term DIABETES
• LEADING to PROGRESSIVE DAMAGE to the Retina + BLINDNESS

Question 2

What are the RISK FACTORS of DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Answer 2

• Age + Duration of Diabetes
• POOR Metabolic Control
• Pregnancy
• Hypertension
• Nephropathy
• Smoking, Obesity, Hyperlipidemia

Question 3

What are the CLINCAL FEATURES of DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Answer 3

• Cotton-Wool Spots
• Microaneurysms, Oedema + Exudates of the RETINAL BVs
• NEOVASCULARISATION of the OPTIC NERVE

Question 4

What are the 2 FORMS of DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Answer 4

1) NON-Proliferative DR = LACK of ABNORMAL BV Growth
- DUE to WEAKENED BVs
- Leading to Tiny Aneurysms / Haemorrhages within Retina

2) Proliferative DR = ABNORMAL BV Growth at the RETINA / IRIS (sometimes)

• Changes in BV can lead to
  a. Haemorrhage in VITREOUS CAVITY
  b. Retinal DETACHMENT
  c. Glaucoma

Question 5

What is the TREATMENT for DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Answer 5

• CONTROL Blood Glucose Level
• LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION of the Retina
• SURGICAL TREATMENT
  a. FOR Retinal Detachment
  b. Recurrent Haemorrhage in Vitreous Gel

Question 6

What are the RETINAL CHANGES in HYPERTENSION?

Answer 6

** RELATED to ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

• Changes seen in SMALL VESSELS of the FUNDUS (Back Part of Eyeball)
• MULTIPLE Haemorrhages
• Exudates
• SWELLING of OPTIC DISC
• VASCULAR OCCLUSIONS of the RETINA