Diabetic Retinopathy Flashcards
1
Q
describe diabetic retinopathy
A
chronic hyperglycaemia causes glycosylation to proteins (basement membrane in the eye) which causes loss of pericytes leading to microaneurysm which can cause leakage and ischaemia
2
Q
presentation of diabetic retinopathy
A
- poorly controlled diabetes
- down and out, not dilated
3
Q
two types of diabetic retinopathy
A
- non-proliferative
- proliferative
4
Q
signs on fundoscopy
A
- microaneurysms (dot and blot haemorrhages)
- hard exudates (lipids)
- cotton wool patches (fat axons)
- abnormalities in venous calibre (loss of smooth wall)
- IRMA (intra-retinal microvascular abnormalities)
5
Q
colour of the retina
A
transparent but appears pink due to the reflection of the choroid
6
Q
what happens in proliferative diabetic retinopathy?
A
there is new vessel growth
these vessels are fragile
7
Q
define rubeosis iridis
A
abnormal blood vessels on surface of the iris
8
Q
what causes diabetic vision loss
A
- retinal oedema on the fovea
- vitreous haemorrhage
- scarring/ tractional retinal detachment
9
Q
management
A
- prevention with good HbA1c
- pan-retinal photocoagulation
- anti-VEGF injections e.g. ranibizumab and bevacizumab
- vitrectomy (surgery)
- rehabilitation for blind/ partially sighted
10
Q
complications
A
cataracts
optic neuropathy
11
Q
diabetic maculopathy
A
macular oedema
ischaemic maculopathy
