Diabetic Eye Treatment in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
شوگر کی آنکھ (sugar ki aankh) — specialist treatment for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema by Dr. Muhammad Amjad at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Understanding diabetic eye disease
Diabetes damages the small blood vessels throughout the body — including those in the retina. In the eye, this causes diabetic retinopathy: vessels leak, bleed, and eventually grow abnormally to replace those that have been damaged. It is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults in Pakistan.
The most vision-threatening complication is diabetic macular oedema (DMO) — fluid accumulation in the central retina (macula) that causes blurred or distorted central vision. DMO can occur at any stage of retinopathy.
The critical fact: diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes become noticeable, significant damage has often already occurred. Annual dilated eye checks are essential for every diabetic patient.
Symptoms of diabetic eye disease
- Blurred or fluctuating vision (often worse after meals when blood sugar is high)
- Distortion — straight lines appear wavy or bent
- Dark spots or floaters — from small retinal bleeds
- Sudden vision loss — from vitreous haemorrhage (a large bleed)
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
- Colours appearing washed out or dull
- No symptoms at all (early-stage disease) — why annual checks are vital
Treatment options
Anti-VEGF Injections
Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)Intravitreal injections of Avastin (bevacizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), or Lucentis (ranibizumab) reduce fluid in the macula. Monthly initially, then titrated to response. Most effective treatment for DMO affecting central vision.
Laser Photocoagulation
Proliferative Diabetic RetinopathyPan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) uses laser burns to ablate oxygen-deprived peripheral retina, reducing the stimulus for neovascularisation. Performed in the clinic, usually over 1–3 sessions. Focal laser is used for macular oedema not at the centre.
Steroid Injections
Refractory DMOOzurdex (dexamethasone implant) or triamcinolone injected into the eye for patients who do not respond adequately to anti-VEGF therapy. Longer-acting than anti-VEGF but requires monitoring for raised pressure and cataract.
Vitrectomy Surgery
Advanced ComplicationsSurgery is required for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, or combined tractional-rhegmatogenous detachment. Dr. Amjad performs 25/27-gauge sutureless vitrectomy with endolaser and membrane peeling as needed.
The importance of annual diabetic eye screening
Every patient with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year. This allows Dr. Amjad to detect early changes before they affect vision. More frequent reviews are arranged if retinopathy is already present.
At the screening appointment, your eyes will be dilated with drops and examined using a slit lamp and retinal camera. An OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan may be performed to detect macular oedema that is not visible on standard examination.
Why choose Dr. Muhammad Amjad?
- Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital London — a world-leading centre for diabetic retinopathy and medical retina
- FRCOphth — Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK
- Unique dual expertise: manages both medical retina (injections and laser) and surgical complications (vitrectomy for advanced PDR and tractional detachment) — most retinal centres refer surgical cases elsewhere
- Works in coordination with your diabetologist or GP to optimise systemic and ocular management together
- OCT imaging at every visit — treatment decisions guided by scan, not a fixed schedule
- Clinics at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi and Blue Area clinic, Islamabad
Frequently asked questions
What is sugar ki aankh (شوگر کی آنکھ)?
Sugar ki aankh (شوگر کی آنکھ) is the Urdu term for diabetic eye disease — specifically diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina over time, causing them to leak, bleed, or grow abnormally. It is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults in Pakistan.
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
Yes. When detected early, treatment can prevent most significant vision loss. Options include anti-VEGF injections (Avastin, Eylea, Lucentis) for diabetic macular oedema, laser photocoagulation for proliferative disease, and vitreoretinal surgery for advanced complications such as vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment. Early treatment gives the best outcomes — annual eye checks are essential for all diabetic patients.
How often should diabetic patients have an eye check?
Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year, even with no symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in its early stages — by the time you notice a change in vision, significant damage may already have occurred. Patients with known diabetic eye disease may need more frequent monitoring.
Will controlling my blood sugar improve my eye disease?
Good blood sugar control is the most important long-term protective factor. Tightening HbA1c significantly reduces the risk of progression. However, once retinopathy is established, blood sugar control alone is usually insufficient — specific eye treatments are needed alongside systemic diabetes management. Dr. Amjad works in conjunction with your diabetologist or GP to optimise both.
What is proliferative diabetic retinopathy?
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is an advanced stage where the retina grows new, fragile blood vessels (neovascularisation) in response to oxygen deprivation. These vessels bleed easily, causing vitreous haemorrhage, and can cause tractional retinal detachment. Treatment involves pan-retinal laser photocoagulation and/or anti-VEGF injections. Surgery (vitrectomy) may be needed for complications.
What is diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and how is it treated?
Diabetic macular oedema occurs when fluid leaks into the central part of the retina (macula), causing blurred or distorted central vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. First-line treatment is intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, typically given monthly for an initial loading phase then on an as-needed basis. Response to treatment is monitored with OCT imaging at each visit.
Sugar ki wajah se aankh kharab ho jaye toh kya ilaj hai?
Agar sugar (diabetes) ki wajah se aankh mein maslay aa rahe hain — jaise dhundla dikhna, aankhon mein kaale dhabbe, ya achanak nazar kamzor hona — toh yeh diabetic retinopathy ya sugar ki aankh ho sakti hai. Ilaj mein anti-VEGF injection (Avastin, Eylea), laser photocoagulation, ya zaroorat parne par vitrectomy operation shamil ho sakta hai. Saal mein ek baar dilated eye check sabhi diabetic patients ke liye zaroori hai — chahe nazar bilkul theek lagti ho. Dr. Muhammad Amjad Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi aur Islamabad mein diabetic eye disease ke specialist hain. Appointment: WhatsApp +92 327 850 6363.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. All treatment decisions are made on an individual basis following clinical examination and investigation. Managing your blood sugar and blood pressure in coordination with your diabetes team is essential alongside any eye treatment.