OCT + 시야검사 결과로 보는 녹내장 초기 신호와 눈 건강 관리법

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눈의 건강은 한 번 손상되면 회복이 어렵습니다. 그래서 정기적인 OCT 검사 와 시야검사 는 매우 중요합니다. 이번 글에서는 실제 환자분의 검사 예시를 통해 시신경 손상의 초기 변화와 관리법 을 알기 쉽게 설명드리겠습니다. 🔍 OCT(빛간섭단층촬영) 검사란? OCT 검사는 망막과 시신경의 구조를 단층(층별) 으로 촬영하는 검사입니다. 눈 속 신경층의 두께, 황반 중심부의 형태, 망막 부종 여부 등을 세밀하게 확인할 수 있어 녹내장, 황반변성, 당뇨망막병증 같은 질환의 조기 발견에 매우 유용합니다. 검사 시간: 약 5분 통증: 없음 결과 확인: 바로 가능 disc OCT(오른쪽) disc OCT(왼쪽)   OCT(빛간섭단층촬영) 검사 결과 설명 🔹 1. 검사 개요 OCT 검사는 망막(눈 안쪽의 신경막)과 황반(시력의 중심부)을 단층 촬영 해서, 눈 속 구조의 미세한 변화를 관찰하는 검사입니다. 즉, 망막이 얼마나 두꺼운지 , 부종이나 손상이 있는지 , 황반 중심이 정상인지 를 보는 검사예요. 🩺 오른쪽 눈 (R) 망막 두께(Macular Thickness): 약간 얇아진 부위 가 있습니다. 황반 중심(Fovea): 형태는 전반적으로 유지되어 있지만, 중심부의 미세한 손상 흔적 이 보입니다. 망막층 구조: 일부 내층(Inner layer) 이 얇아져 있으며, 이는 혈류 감소나 시신경 손상 초기 에서 보일 수 있는 소견입니다. 시세포층(Photoreceptor layer): 대체로 보존되어 있지만, 경계가 약간 흐릿한 부분 이 있어, 시야 흐림이나 중심 시력 저하 를 유발할 가능성이 있습니다. ➡️ 정리: 현재 심한 황반변성이나 망막박리 같은 질환은 보이지 않지만, 시신경 또는 황반 중심부의 기능 저하 초기 로 보입니다. 따라서 정기적인 경과 관찰 과 혈류 개선제 또는 안구 순환 개선 약물 복용이 도움이 됩니다. 🩺 왼쪽 눈 (L) 망막 두께: 오른쪽보다 약...

Diabetes and Eye Health: Understanding the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy

 

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions worldwide, and one of its serious complications is its impact on eye health. Among various diabetes-related eye diseases, diabetic retinopathy is the most common and potentially vision-threatening condition. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to progressive vision loss if left untreated.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes, symptoms, stages, treatments, and prevention strategies for diabetic retinopathy to help individuals with diabetes protect their vision.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an eye disease caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, which weaken and damage the small blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, it can lead to severe vision impairment and even blindness.

Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy

Several factors contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy:

  1. High Blood Sugar Levels – Chronic hyperglycemia damages blood vessels in the retina.

  2. Duration of Diabetes – The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk.

  3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Increases strain on retinal blood vessels.

  4. High Cholesterol Levels – Can contribute to vascular damage in the retina.

  5. Smoking – Reduces oxygen supply to the retina, worsening the condition.

  6. Pregnancy – Women with diabetes are at a higher risk during pregnancy.

  7. Genetics – Family history can increase susceptibility to diabetic eye complications.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Dark spots or floaters in vision

  • Difficulty seeing at night

  • Reduced color vision

  • Empty or dark areas in the field of vision

  • Sudden vision loss (in advanced stages)

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through several stages:

1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • Small bulges (microaneurysms) form in the retinal blood vessels.

  • Leakage of tiny amounts of blood or fluid may occur.

2. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • Blood vessels in the retina become blocked.

  • Swelling in the macula (macular edema) may develop, leading to vision problems.

3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • A significant number of blood vessels become blocked.

  • The retina sends signals to grow new abnormal blood vessels.

4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

  • Fragile new blood vessels grow in the retina.

  • These vessels can bleed into the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye), causing severe vision loss or retinal detachment.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy

Early detection is critical in managing diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the severity, different treatment options are available:

1. Controlling Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol

  • Managing diabetes effectively slows the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

  • A balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication can help control blood sugar levels.

2. Anti-VEGF Injections

  • Medications such as Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin are injected into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

3. Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)

  • Laser therapy helps seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling in the retina.

  • It is often used in patients with macular edema or early-stage proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

4. Vitrectomy Surgery

  • In severe cases, surgery is needed to remove blood from the vitreous and repair retinal detachment.

Prevention Strategies: How to Protect Your Vision

While diabetic retinopathy cannot always be entirely prevented, there are several steps to reduce the risk and slow its progression:

  1. Regular Eye Exams – Annual comprehensive dilated eye exams can detect early signs before symptoms appear.

  2. Maintain Stable Blood Sugar Levels – Keeping blood glucose within target ranges prevents blood vessel damage.

  3. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol – Reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels helps protect retinal health.

  4. Quit Smoking – Smoking worsens vascular damage and increases the risk of vision loss.

  5. Exercise Regularly – Physical activity helps control blood sugar and improve circulation.

  6. Eat an Eye-Healthy Diet – Consume foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Conclusion

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but manageable condition with early detection and proper care. Individuals with diabetes must prioritize eye health by undergoing regular screenings, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

By taking proactive measures, those at risk can significantly reduce their chances of vision loss and continue leading a high-quality life.