Diabetic retinopathy: the most effective dietary supplements

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the small blood vessels of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. It is caused by high blood sugar levels that damage these vessels, causing fluid leakage, bleeding, and, in more severe cases, the formation of abnormal new blood vessels. These vessels, which develop on the surface of the retina to compensate for the lack of oxygen, can cause serious vision problems. This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness in people under 65, affecting about 50% of people with type 2 diabetes.

Pathophysiology

Diabetic retinopathy begins with damage to the retinal capillaries caused by prolonged hyperglycemia. This leads to increased permeability of the retinal vessels, causing retinal edema, particularly at the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. As capillaries become blocked, the eye responds by forming new vessels (proliferative retinopathy) that are fragile and can bleed, leading to complications such as retinal detachment.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. Other factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and triglyceride levels), obesity, and smoking also play an important role in disease progression. Pregnancy and puberty can also worsen retinopathy due to increased insulin requirements during these periods.

Symptoms

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may experience decreased visual acuity, blurred or fluctuating vision, or see dark spots in their visual field. In advanced cases, the disease can lead to blindness.

Treatment

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy is primarily based on strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure, which are essential to slow disease progression. Specific treatments include laser photocoagulation to treat retinal ischemia and prevent neovascular proliferation. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF are used to slow this proliferation and reduce macular edema. In cases of serious complications, such as hemorrhages or retinal detachment, a vitrectomy may be necessary.

Prevention

The best prevention against diabetic retinopathy is strict control of blood sugar and cardiovascular risk factors. Regular fundus examinations, at least once a year, are essential to detect the disease at an early stage before serious symptoms appear. Good management of oxidative stress and glycation can also help delay the onset of diabetes-related complications.