From the Guidelines
The medical term for retinal hemorrhage in diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, specifically proliferative diabetic retinopathy when bleeding occurs. This condition develops when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. In advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina's surface, which are fragile and prone to bleeding into the vitreous (the gel-like substance filling the eye), causing vision loss.
Key Points
- Management includes tight blood glucose control with target HbA1c below 7%, blood pressure control below 130/80 mmHg, and regular eye examinations 1.
- Treatment may involve laser photocoagulation to seal leaking vessels, anti-VEGF injections like bevacizumab or ranibizumab to reduce abnormal vessel growth, or vitrectomy surgery for severe bleeding 1.
- Early detection through annual comprehensive dilated eye exams is crucial, as diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred 1.
- The condition develops because chronic hyperglycemia damages blood vessel walls, triggering inflammatory processes and oxygen deprivation in retinal tissue 1.
Recommendations
- Patients with type 1 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 3–5 years after the onset of diabetes 1.
- Patients with type 2 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after the diagnosis of diabetes 1.
- Subsequent examinations for type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients should be repeated annually by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who is knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing the presence of diabetic retinopathy and is aware of its management 1.
From the Research
Medical Term for Retinal Hemorrhage in Diabetes
The medical term for retinal hemorrhage in diabetes is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss vitreous hemorrhage, which is a related condition.
Causes and Treatment of Vitreous Hemorrhage
- Vitreous hemorrhage is associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, among other conditions 2, 3, 4.
- The treatment of vitreous hemorrhage depends on the underlying cause, and may include laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections, and surgery 2, 3, 4.
- Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure used to treat vitreous hemorrhage, especially in cases of non-clearing hemorrhage 5, 4, 6.