Diabetic retinopathy

Question 1

what is diabetic retinopathy

Answer 1

blood vessels in the retina are damaged by prolonged hyperglycaemia
progressive deterioration in the health of the retina.

Question 2

signs of non proliferative DR on fundoscopy

Answer 2

extensive dot/blob haemorrhage
venous beading/ looping

microaneurysms
hard exudates
cotton wool spots

Question 3

how is diabetic retinopathy classified

Answer 3

non-proliferative and proliferative depending on whether new blood vessels have developed

R1: background
R2: pre proliferative
R3: proliferative

Question 4

signs of proliferative DR on fundoscopy

Answer 4

Neovascularisation
Vitreous haemorrhage

Question 5

what is diabetic maculopathy

Answer 5

damage to the macula from hyperglycaemia
Blood vessels that enlarge to compensate for blocked blood vessels become leaky and this leaked fluid builds up in the macular causing swelling

Question 6

what are Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IMRA)

Answer 6

dilated and tortuous capillaries in the retina
which act as shunts

Question 7

what are some complications of diabetic retinopathy

Answer 7

Retinal detachment
Vitreous haemorrhage
Rebeosis iridis (new blood vessel formation in the iris)
Optic neuropathy
Cataracts

Question 8

management options for diabetic retinopathy

Answer 8

Laser photocoagulation
Anti-VEGF medications
Vitreoretinal surgery (keyhole surgery on the eye)

Question 9

risks of pan photocoagulation

Answer 9

visual field defect
macular burn
impaired night vision