Diabetic Retinopathy
Global Impact, Global Goals
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease caused by complications of diabetes that result in decreased vision and blindness due to the damage of blood vessels inside the retina. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years. Diabetic retinopathy affects those with both Type I diabetes (juvenile onset) and those with Type II diabetes (adult onset), and the risk of developing eye problems increases with the amount of time an individual has diabetes. This is of global concern, as occurrences of Type II diabetes in many countries are on the rise. With this given statistic, it is only a matter of time before incidents of diabetic retinopathy also increase.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Often occurring without noticeable symptoms, diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels of the retina in four stages; the first three are treatable by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol and the final stage with laser surgery.
The first stage of diabetic retinopathy is known as background diabetic retinopathy and involves a weakening of the arteries in the retina – causing leaking and often swelling or edema.
The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy and involves areas of the retina becoming oxygen-deprived or ischemic. The result is the formation of new, fragile vessels that may also hemorrhage. Blood leaking into the retina and vitreous then causes floaters and decreased vision.
In the later phases of the disease, continued abnormal vessel growth and scar tissue may cause serious problems such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
The Alcon Difference
No real cure is available for diabetic retinopathy today, but depending on the stage of the disease and its characteristics, prescribed therapy may include surgery and laser treatment. Alcon is focused on this important disease area and is working with others in the pharmaceutical industry toward the development of treatments that may someday help control this disease as we see a growing number of people being diagnosed with diabetes across the globe.
