For many people living with diabetes, eye complications may develop silently over time. One such condition is diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of vision problems among individuals with long-term diabetes. We share the story of a 56-year-old woman who sought timely help and received effective diabetic retinopathy treatment from our preferred eye specialist, Dr Lee Shu Yen.
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The Patient’s Background
The patient, a 56-year-old female, had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for 10 years. However, her blood sugar control had been poor due to irregular medication use. When she visited the specialist clinic, her HbA1c reading was 15.9%, which is significantly above the recommended level for good diabetes control.
Uncontrolled diabetes over time can lead to various complications, including damage to the small blood vessels of the retina – the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Eye Examination Findings
Upon a detailed examination, both eyes showed signs of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is an early to moderate stage of the disease:
Right eye: Mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with diabetic maculopathy (an early form of macular involvement).
Left eye: Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant diabetic macular oedema (CSME) — a condition where fluid leaks into the macula, causing swelling and blurred central vision.
Left eye: Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant diabetic macular oedema (CSME) — a condition where fluid leaks into the macula, causing swelling and blurred central vision.
An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan was performed for both eyes. The right macula showed a normal contour, while the left macula was visibly swollen due to fluid accumulation.
Treatment and Management
Dr Lee Shu Yen provided counselling on the importance of better blood sugar control, as this is crucial to prevent further eye damage and to improve response to treatment.
For the left eye, Dr Lee recommended a two-step approach:
- Intravitreal injections – to reduce the macular oedema and control the leakage of fluid.
- Laser treatment – to seal leaking blood vessels and stabilise the condition.
After completing a course of intravitreal injections, follow-up OCT scans showed that the macular swelling in the left eye had improved significantly, and the contour of the retina was beginning to return to normal.
The patient reported clearer vision in her left eye and a better understanding of how crucial blood sugar management is to protect her eyesight.
What This Case Highlights
This patient’s story demonstrates how early diagnosis and timely diabetic retinopathy treatment can make a real difference in preserving vision. While vision loss from advanced diabetic retinopathy may be irreversible, many cases can be stabilised or improved with proper medical care.
If you have diabetes, it is important to:
- Go for regular eye screenings even if your vision seems normal.
- Control your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor.
- Seek specialist care early if you notice any changes in vision.
Get Help for Diabetic Retinopathy
If you or a loved one has diabetes and wish to understand more about diabetic retinopathy treatment, we can help connect you with an experienced eye specialist.
About Dr Lee Shu Yen
Dr Lee Shu Yen is a senior consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Advanced Eye Clinic and Surgery. She previously served as the Head of the Surgical Retina department at the Singapore National Eye Centre, leading the team that provided the majority of surgical retina coverage in Singapore.
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Disclaimer: This patient story is based on a real case and shared for informational purposes. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified eye specialist if you notice sudden changes in your vision.
Disclaimer: 365Asia aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, our contents do not constitute medical or any professional advice. If medical advice is required, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. Patient stories are for general reading. They are based on third-party information and have not been independently verified.