Saraswathi K
Nehru Memorial College, India
Title: Diagnosis of different stages of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Biography
Biography: Saraswathi K
Abstract
Diabetic Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and the primary cause for visual impairment and blindness in adults that is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The symptoms can blur or distort the patient’s vision. Retinopathy is often symptomatic and the patient is unaware of retinopathy until the eyes are routinely examined or until visual impairment is detected.Regular screening is essential in order to detect the early stages of diabetic retinopathy for timely treatment to prevent further damage of vision.The retina is a unique site where the microvasculature can be directly visualized and monitored repeatedly over time. An important aspect of DR is the micro-vascular changes that cause detectable changes in the appearance of retinal blood vessels. Recent advances in retinal hotographic imaging techniques have facilitated the development of computer assisted methods to measure and quantify subtle variations and abnormalities in the retinal microvasculature. The blood vessels in the retina get altered. Exudates are secreted, micro aneurysms and hemorrhages occur in the retina. The appearance of these features represent the degree of severity of the disease.Micro aneurysms are focal dilations of retinal capillaries and appear as small round dark red dots. Haemorrhages occur when blood leaks from the damaged retinal vessels.Exudates occur when lipid or fat leaks from abnormal blood vessel or aneurysms.The different stages of Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy are detected using the features Exudates,Blood Vessels, Micro aneurysms and Haemorrhages.An early detection and diagnosis will assist in timely treatment and a reduction in the percentage of visual impairment due to these conditions, it will assist for a better treatment plan and to improve the vision related quality of life.