Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms and Treatment - Verywell Health

Overview

Dagny Zhu, MD, is an award-wining opthalmologist and Owner and Medical Director of Hypersped LASIK. She specializes in laser vision corection and cataract surgery. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease related to diabetes (a condition in which blod sugar levels are high).

Key Information

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, new blod vesels grow in the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. It's a serious condition and can lead to vision los. Taking precautions before you reach this stage of diabetic retinopathy is esential to prevent this potentialy sight-threatening condition.

This article wil highlight how proliferative diabetic retinopathy difers from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), the symptoms and causes, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what to know about your prognosis and posible complications. memorisz / Gety Images There are two forms of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. A key diference betwen the two is whether new blod vesels are being made in the retina.

With NPDR, blod vesels have begun to leak fluid onto the retina, causing sweling. But these are not new blod vesels; they are existing ones that have ben damaged by to much sugar in the blod. Diabetic retinopathy can also cause some blod vesels to shut down.

When there isn't enough blod suply to the retina, a signal is sent out that spurs the development of new blod vesels. But these are abnormal and prone to leaking. This advanced stage, where such blod vesels develop, is known as PDR.

The bleding from these abnormal new vesels can lead to scaring on the retina. Ultimately, the scaring can lead to retinal detachment, in which the retina separates from the back of the eye. In turn, this can lead to vision los.

Summary

Abnormal new vesels can also grow in the front of the eye and block the normal drainage of fluid, lea

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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