USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Diabetic Retinopathy

USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus due to sustained hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. These pathogenic mechanisms culminate in structural and functional damage to the retinal microvasculature and neurons, resulting in vision impairment and blindness. Blurred or distorted vision Floaters or spots in the field of vision Fluctuations in vision clarity Impaired color vision Dark or empty areas in the visual field Difficulty with night vision Sudden loss of vision Microaneurysms Dot and blot hemorrhages Hard exudates Cotton wool spots Neovascularization Macular edema Comprehensive dilated eye exam Optical coherence tomography Fluorescein angiography Fundus photography Treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Common treatment approaches include: 1. Tight blood sugar control through lifestyle modifications and medication 2. Intravitreal injections of medications, such as anti-VEGF drugs or steroids 3. Laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, reduce swelling, and destroy abnormal blood vessels 4. Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel and scar tissue or blood that may be blocking or pulling on the retina