DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

 

Diabetes is on the increase worldwide, due mainly to the rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of a range of eye diseases, including cataract (diabetic cataract), but the main cause of blindness associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the name given to the changes in the retina, which occur over a period of time in diabetics. The retina is the back part of the eye where objects form images and it is made up of cells, which are sensitive to light.

 

THINGS EVERY DIABETES PATIENT SHOULD KNOW

 

Diabetes will eventually affect the blood vessels in the eyes. This is called diabetic retinopathy, and it can lead to visual impairment and blindness.

By controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, you can reduce the damage diabetes can cause in your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy in most people has no symptoms - you cannot tell if you have it. Only an examination of the back of the eyes (by your eye doctor) can detect it, and you should be examined every year.

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable if it is found in the early stages.
 

If you attend all your screening or clinic appointments and have treatment when recommended, it is unlikely you will go blind.

 
If you do not attend diabetic eye screening or eye clinic appointments, your diabetic retinopathy can become very advanced and will affect your vision. If left untreated, you may go blind.

Modern treatments with laser and drug are very effective in stopping vision loss. Unfortunately, treatment cannot restore vision that has already been lost.

A family history of diabetes definitely indicates one should check even more frequently as early detection means better prognosis.