Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects individuals with diabetes, potentially leading to vision loss if left untreated. Understanding its symptoms, screening methods, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels due to high blood sugar levels over time.
Diabetic Retinopathy Statistics In Singapore
According to the HealthHub, among Malays diagnosed with diabetes in Singapore, approximately 35%were found to have diabetic retinopathy, with severe stages such as macular edema and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy affecting about 5.7% and 9.0%, respectively.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy may not initially cause symptoms, but as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
- Blurred vision.
- Floaters or spots in vision.
- Sudden loss of vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Colour vision problems.
Where And How To Be Screened In Singapore?
Screening for diabetic retinopathy in Singapore is typically conducted by ophthalmologists or optometrists. It may be done at public hospitals and specialist eye clinics, private eye clinics, and community health centres
Screening methods often involve dilating the pupils to examine the retina for signs of damage.
- Fluorescein Angiography – Involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in the arm, which then circulates through the blood vessels in the retina. A special camera with filters that detect the dye’s fluorescence is used to take photographs of the retina. This helps to identify areas where blood vessels are leaking or new blood vessels are growing.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create cross-sectional images of the retina. It provides detailed information about the thickness of the retina and can detect swelling or fluid accumulation (edema) in the retina, which are signs of diabetic retinopathy.
What Are The Options For Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment In Singapore?
Treatment options depend on the stage of diabetic retinopathy and may include:
- Laser treatment (Photocoagulation) – Used to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal ones.
- Injections (Anti-VEGF therapy) – Medications injected into the eye to reduce swelling and leakage from abnormal blood vessels.
- Vitrectomy – Surgery to remove blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) in advanced cases.
Doctor You Can Consider
Our Preferred Ophthalmologist In Singapore​
Dr David Goh is the Medical Director And Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at NOVENA Bladeless Cataract Surgery & Eye Specialist Centre and a cataract surgeon in Singapore. He specialises in complex Cataracts and simple and complex Glaucoma. His services include Precise Computer-Guided and 100% Bladeless Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma treatment and surgeries (including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, MIGS) Screening Treatments for Diabetic Eye Diseases & Age-Related Macular Degeneration, LASIK and implantable contact lens (ICL), Laser Treatment of visually disturbing Floaters and Acute Eye Emergencies.
Diabetic Retinopathy treatment from Dr David Goh:
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What Is The Cost Of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment In Singapore?
The cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment in Singapore varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. Costs may include consultation fees, procedure fees, and medication costs. It is advisable to consult with healthcare providers for specific cost estimates.
Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies.
Medisave And Insurance For Diabetic Retinopathy In Singapore
Medisave may be used to pay for certain diabetic retinopathy treatments, including laser therapy and surgery. Health insurance policies may also cover some aspects of treatment, depending on the terms and coverage. It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider for the exact claimable amount.
Additional Resources
- Diabetic Retinopathy | SingHealth. Available from: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/diabetic-retinopathy
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Singapore General Hospital. Available from: https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/diabetic-retinopathy
- Diabetic Retinal Photography – Singapore | HealthHub. Available from: https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medical-and-care-facilities/diabetic-retinal-photography
- Diabetic retinopathy – Symptoms & causes | Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.