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Customised Diabetic Retinopathy Management

Prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy with Dr Allan Fong, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist

Understanding the causes and treatments
available for Diabetic retinopathy
What is Diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels can damage these blood vessels, leading to vision problems and, potentially, blindness, if the condition is left untreated.
Symptoms of Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Difficulty seeing colours
  • Poor night vision
  • Seeing spots or floaters
  • Sudden vision loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment can prevent or reduce vision loss.
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Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
The primary cause of diabetic retinopathy is prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can lead to damage in the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition include:

Duration of Diabetes

The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Poor Blood Sugar Control

Consistently high blood sugar levels increase the risk of retinal damage.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension can further damage blood vessels in the retina.

High Cholesterol Levels

Elevated cholesterol can contribute to blood vessel damage.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
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Smoking

Smoking can exacerbate blood vessel damage.
Screening and Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is crucial for effective management and prevention of vision loss. Screening methods include:
Dilated Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam where the pupils are dilated to allow the ophthalmologist to examine the retina thoroughly.​
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
An imaging test that captures detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to detect retinal swelling and early signs of diabetic retinopathy.​
Fluorescein Angiography
A dye is injected into the bloodstream, and images of the retinal blood vessels are taken to identify areas of leakage or abnormal growth.​
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy aims to slow or stop the progression of the disease and prevent vision loss. Options include:
Blood Sugar Control

Managing diabetes through diet, exercise, and diabetic medications can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy. This is the mainstay of treatment and prevention.

Intravitreal (IVT) Anti-VEGF Injections (IVT)
Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections such as Lucentis, Eyelea 8mg and Vabysmo help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and decrease retinal swelling.
Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)
This procedure uses laser beams to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling in the retina.
Vitrectomy
A surgical procedure that removes persistent blood or scar tissue from the vitreous gel in the eye can help improve vision.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Choosing the right treatment for diabetic retinopathy involves a comprehensive assessment of your eye health and overall medical condition.

At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, our approach includes:

1

Thorough Evaluation

We conduct a detailed eye examination, including imaging tests like OCT (optical coherence tomography) and fluorescein angiography, to assess the extent of retinal damage.
2

Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on your specific condition, we recommend the most suitable treatment or combination of treatments, including IVT medication, laser therapy and surgery.
3

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

4

Co-Management

Co-manage with GPs/Physicians and Endocrinologists on diabetic control.

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MEET OUR DOCTOR

Dr Allan Fong

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方齐扬医生

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist

BBM, PBM, MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Ophth),
FRCS (Edinburgh), MRCOphth (London), FAMS

Medical Director
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Visiting Consultant @ SNEC
Adjunct A/Professor, Duke-NUS

Dr Allan Fong is a revered figure in ophthalmology with experience as Head of Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at SNEC for 9 Years. As a Senior Consultant at our centre, Dr Fong commitment to patient outcomes and his years of experience in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Diabetic Retinopathy make him a trusted choice for your eye care.

Dr Allan Fong from Angel Eye & Cataract Centre photo
Dr Allan Fong from Angel Eye & Cataract Centre photo
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Take Control of Your Eye Health​

Don’t wait for diabetic retinopathy to affect your vision—early detection and treatment are crucial. At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we offer comprehensive diabetic retinopathy care tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation or make an enquiry today!

For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Retinopathy

We understand you may have many questions about diabetic retinopathy. Here are answers to some of the most common queries about diabetic retinopathy symptoms, recovery, and expected outcomes.

How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy?
Maintaining good blood sugar control, regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol, and annual comprehensive eye exams can help prevent or manage diabetic retinopathy.
While the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy is not reversible, early detection and treatment can prevent further vision loss and manage the condition effectively.
It is recommended that individuals with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. More frequent exams may be necessary if diabetic retinopathy is present.
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can often be managed with blood sugar control and medications. Laser treatments and injections are also non-surgical options for more advanced cases.
Diabetic retinopathy itself is usually not painful. However, in advanced stages or with associated complications, discomfort or pain may occur.
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