Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Various Techniques: A Review

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur. Mild cases may be treated with careful diabetes management. Advanced cases may require laser treatment or surgery. DR is characterized by lesions on the retina and this paper focuses on detecting two of these lesions, Microaneurysms and Haemorrhages, which are also known as red lesions. Microaneurysms are usually the earliest visible manifestation of diabetic retinopathy. They appear as tiny red dots scattered in the retina posteriorly. They may be surrounded by a ring of yellow lipid, or hard, exudates or diabetic retinopathy that is threatening or affecting your sight, the main treatments are: Laser Treatment – to treat the growth of new blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.