DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Hello everyone this my third post and it is featuring the content on Diabetes & its negative effects on eyes👀As per recent studies,the likelihood of developing Diabetes is from the age of 45 years.The most important reason could be Diet,Urbanization and probably the Genetics👪

One of the common cause of vision loss for people with Diabetes is 'Diabetic Retinopathy',👀.Diabetic Retinopathy' can affect up to 80% of all patients who are having long standing Diabetes for 10 years or more😞However 90% of cases can be treated if they are monitored regularly and treated on time😅

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition where the blood vessels in retina(light-sensitive portion of eye) are affected
Uncontrolled blood sugar over a period of time can damage the small blood vessels in the eye and can lead to leaking of fluid or blood
It can also cause accumulation of fluid in layers of retina,causing tissue to swell and eventually lead to vision disturbances
In advanced stages,it can cause abnormal new blood vessels growth which are harmful and may lead to leaking of blood and scarring of tissue and cell damage

Above image shows Normal Eye Vs Diabetic eye with Cataract & Diabetic Retinopathy changes

Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy:

Any type of Diabetes- Type-I(Insulin-dependent),Type-II (Non-Insulin Dependent) or Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes while pregnant),the chance goes up the longer you have Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Positive family history

As per a recent study,the Indian Diabetic crisis is expected to worsen in the coming years and there will be a tremendous increase in Type- II Diabetes.

Associated risk factors if patient is already Diabetic :

Duration of Diabetes >10 years or more
Chronic Smoking/Alcohol Consumption
High Blood Pressure/Cholesterol levels

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy :

The early stages may not have any symptoms but some people notice difficulty in reading and focusing for distance even after wearing their corrective glasses
In advanced stages they might notice dark floating spots or threads/cob web like patterns in their vision.Advanced cases,may notice total black-out /blurred vision

Above picture shows imaginary black spots and strands which could be visualized by people with severe cases of Diabetic Retinopathy
Photo credits: Shutterstock image

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy:

In early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, your eye doctor might ask you to follow-up for 'Fundus examination' after every 3-6 months to keep a track on your eye
Later stages need immediate attention in which treatment might include :

(i)Laser: Retina lasers are usually performed to make sure the leaking blood vessels in retina shrink and stop leakage of blood

(ii)Injections: Medicines such as Anti-VEGf drugs/ Corticosteroids are injected into the eye ball which reduces new blood vessel growth which is harmful and also reduces swelling in the layers of retina of eye

(iii)Surgery:If the condition is not stabilized with above treatment,your eye doctor might advice for a surgery to stop bleeding in your eye

To prevent the onset of Diabetic Retinopathy :

If you are diagnosed to have Diabetes,consult an eye doctor for regular dilated eye examination every year which is called as 'Fundus/Retina check-up' to rule out Diabetic Retinopathy

The examination would be simple, in which the patient's eye would be instilled with a dilating eye drop to dilate the pupils and the retina would be examined with a lens placed in front of the eye

To Protect your Eyes from Diabetes: TRACK

T - Take your medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor

Photo credits: Google Images

R- Reach & maintain a healthy weight

Photo Credits: Google Images

A- Add more physical activity to your routine

Photo Credits: Shutterstock.com

You can consider investing on a good pair of shoes for outdoor activities which can prevent your feet from getting injured and making you feel comfortable while walking

Photo Credits: Google Images

One of the most underrated and best physical activity includes Household chores.These were once entrusted only to women and are now carried by men and kids as well.It might be a great choice to consider them for an active lifestyle

C- Control your ABC'S : A1C or (HbA1C - average blood sugar), Blood Pressure,Cholesterol levels

Image Credits:Shutterstock.com

K- Kick smoking habit & limit alcohol consumption

Photo credits: Google images

Smoking & Alcohol consumption are the most harmful addictions worldwide.Staying healthy & fit is a choice 👀 So try to make good choices to live happy & strong💪😊

While Diabetic Retinopathy, being a major cause of vision problem in Diabetics,the other causes include Cataract and Glaucoma which would be discussed in my later posts

Stay tuned for the next post !!

You can also leave your comments below & let me know if you want me to write about something which interests you in eye care👀😊