Diabetic Retinopathy
شوگر کی آنکھ — Sugar ki Aankh
Specialist diabetic eye care by Dr. Muhammad Amjad — retina surgeon at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels inside the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) caused by long-term high blood sugar. Over time, these vessels can leak, swell, or grow abnormally — damaging your central vision.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. Up to 1 in 3 diabetic patients will develop some degree of retinopathy. The dangerous fact: most people have no pain or symptoms until the damage is severe.
Symptoms
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters (کالے دھبے)
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colours appearing washed out
- Sudden vision loss (a medical emergency)
- Often NO symptoms in early stages — regular screening is essential
How Dr. Amjad treats diabetic retinopathy
Intravitreal Injections (Anti-VEGF)
A tiny injection into the eye reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Given at our injection clinic — 5-minute procedure, same-day discharge. Most patients need a course of injections.
Laser Photocoagulation
Laser is applied to the peripheral retina to seal leaking vessels and stop abnormal growth. Used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and clinically significant macular oedema.
Vitreoretinal Surgery (Vitrectomy)
For advanced cases with vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, or severe scarring. Dr. Amjad is fellowship-trained in complex vitreoretinal surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar. It is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. In Urdu it is often called شوگر کی آنکھ (sugar ki aankh).
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes. When caught early, treatment can prevent significant vision loss. Options include anti-VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation, and in advanced cases, vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Muhammad Amjad specialises in all three.
How often should a diabetic patient get an eye test?
Patients with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once a year, even if they have no symptoms. Early detection is critical — diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms until it is advanced.
Are intravitreal injections painful?
Anaesthetic drops are used before the injection, so most patients feel little or no pain. The procedure takes about 5 minutes and you can go home immediately afterwards.