Diabetic Retinopathy: Understanding, Management & Prevention

Millions of people all over the world are affected by the common consequence of diabetes known as diabetic retinopathy. It is a degenerative eye condition that, if not found and treated right away, can cause blindness. The causes, signs, and therapies of diabetic retinopathy will be covered in this blog.


What is diabetic retinopathy?


High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is located in the back of the eye, and result in diabetic retinopathy. The retina may expand and become blurry as a result of the blood and other fluids leaking from the injured blood vessels. On the retina, new, aberrant blood vessels may develop over time, which could worsen vision loss and lead to other issues.


What are the causes of diabetic retinopathy?


Long-term high blood sugar levels can harm the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. A larger risk of developing diabetic retinopathy exists in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or those who have had the condition for a long time. Smoking, high cholesterol, and blood pressure are among other risk factors.


What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?


In the early phases of diabetic retinopathy, there may be no symptoms. People may suffer symptoms like double vision, blurred vision, dark spots or floaters in their vision, and difficulty seeing at night as the condition worsens.


How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?


A thorough eye exam, which includes a dilated eye exam that enables the eye doctor to see the retina and blood vessels, is used to detect diabetic retinopathy. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss and other problems.


What are the treatments for diabetic retinopathy?

The stage and severity of diabetic retinopathy determine the appropriate course of treatment. Strict blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar management can delay the onset of the illness in its early stages. To preserve eyesight in more advanced phases, laser therapy, medication injections into the eye, and surgery can be required.

 

What are the preventions of diabetic retinopathy?

A consequence of diabetes called diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina, which can result in visual issues and even blindness. There are various steps people with diabetes can take to lower their risk or delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy, even though there is no 100% surefire way to prevent it. Here are a few preventative measures:

Maintain optimal blood sugar levels: Controlling blood sugar is the most important step in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Maintain your blood sugar levels within the goal range advised by your healthcare professional. This may entail taking prescription drugs, maintaining a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and routinely checking your blood sugar levels.

Control blood pressure: Diabetic retinopathy might progress more quickly when blood pressure is high. By making lifestyle changes like switching to a low-sodium diet, getting regular exercise, controlling your stress, and using prescription medications when necessary, you can keep an eye on and control your blood pressure levels.

Manage cholesterol levels: Increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol can also speed up the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. To control your cholesterol levels, maintain a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and take prescription medications if necessary.

Regular eye examinations: For recognising diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, even before telltale symptoms appear, routine comprehensive eye exams are essential. At least once annually, or as directed by their eye care provider, diabetics should get a dilated eye examination.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lower the chance of developing diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes problems. Keeping a healthy weight, abstaining from cigarette use and excessive alcohol use, eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and exercising frequently are all part of this.

Quit smoking: Smoking raises the danger and quickens the development of diabetic retinopathy. If you smoke, get help to stop because it will be better for your overall health and your eyes.

Manage stress: The management of diabetes might be negatively impacted by ongoing stress and high cortisol levels. Find appropriate coping mechanisms for stress, such as meditation, hobbies, exercise, or consulting with friends, family, or specialists.

Keep in mind that while these precautions can help lower the risk and postpone the start of diabetic retinopathy, they cannot completely ensure protection. Working closely with your medical team and adhering to their recommendations are essential for successfully treating diabetes and its attendant problems.

In conclusion, a dangerous and potentially blinding consequence of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Eye loss and other problems can be avoided with early illness detection and treatment. Comprehensive eye exams should be routinely performed on people with diabetes to check for diabetic retinopathy. Work closely with your medical team if you have diabetes to manage your blood sugar levels and preserve your vision.

 

Dr.Muhammad Arsalan Khan
Diabetes Specialist
MBBS, MSc (Diabetes & Endocrinology) - DUHS
CCD-BMJ-AKU-RCP (London)

No comments:

Post a Comment

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)

  Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)   Introduction: The dangerous disorder known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which affects the hear...