Diabetic retinopathy is usually associated with advanced stages, at that time when the ophthalmologist already detects clear changes in the fundus of the eye.However, this new study sends a very powerful message to those of us who live with diabetes: the disease begins long before we can see it.
Research shows that, even in the initial stages and without visible lesions, the eye already shows clear signs of inflammation and damage to the blood vessels.These changes are not subjective or “sensations”, but rather molecular alterations that can be measured and that indicate that diabetic retinopathy can progress silently for years.
The researchers analyzed aqueous humor, a clear liquid located in the front of the eye, and observed that people with early diabetic retinopathy have higher levels of molecules related to chronic inflammation and angiogenesis, that is, the abnormal formation of new blood vessels.These include interleukins involved in the inflammatory response, the well-known VEGF, closely related to ocular complications, and other proteins that activate and attract cells of the immune system.All this occurs when there are still no visible signs in the retina, which confirms that the pathological process is already underway even if it does not show its face.
This finding is especially relevant because it reinforces the idea that diabetic retinopathy is not only a vascular complication, but also an inflammatory disease from its early stages.Understanding it in this way changes the approach, as it opens the door to earlier diagnosis and better identification of people at higher risk of progression, even before irreversible damage to vision appears.
Furthermore, the fact that aqueous humor can be safely obtained during common surgeries, such as cataract or glaucoma surgeries, makes this fluid a very valuable source of information.In the future it could allow more personalized monitoring, better adjust treatments and act before the disease progresses to more serious phases.
All of this reminds us of something fundamental as a community: even if we see well and do not notice symptoms, diabetes may be acting at a silent level.That is why it is so important to maintain good metabolic control, attend regular ophthalmological check-ups and opt for prevention as part of daily care.
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