Diabetic Retina

The retina is a very sensitive inner coat of the eye. It consists of ten layers, which are inner limiting membrane, nerve fiber layer, Ganglion cells layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, external limiting membrane, photoreceptors (rods and cones) and retinal pigment epithelium. Also, it has a yellow spot, called macula, which is the important area for high acuity vision. In the retina, the light rays are converted into electrical signals then sent to the brain through the optic nerve. Any imperfection in these layers can cause vision loss. This vital tissue is susceptible to many different systemic diseases such as anemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The retina of diabetics is very distinct from the retina of non-diabetic people. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease which occurs when the sugar concentration in blood increases as a result of beta cells defection. Beta cells are located in the pancreas and they control the percentage of sugar in blood by producing insulin, which is a hormone that is responsible for breaking down the sugar and converting it to energy. With diabetes mellitus, either the patient’s body can not …show more content…
Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disorder caused by damage of the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which affects patient’s vision and it may lead to blindness (Gungor et al. 6433). As Ali Fareed describes, diabetic macular edema is a fluid accumulation in the macula due to leaking blood vessels as a consequence of diabetic retinopathy (6). Patients who are suffering from the early stages of these conditions often remain asymptomatic. However, blurred vision, hemorrhage or bleeding and floating spots presents in advance stages. A special type of laser could treat them but the loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy is irreversible. Regular clinical check ups can prevent the risk of