Diabetic Retinopathy – Causes and Prevention
Diabetes damages several organs of the body. Diabetics have a greater risk of developing eye problems, and diabetic retinopathy is one such eye complication, which could even lead to blindness.
It is estimated that about 45 percent of people diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics should take precautions to prevent this eye ailment.
Diabetic retinopathy causes
If your blood sugar level remains above the normal level for a long period, your eye lens could become inflamed. If diabetes remains untreated, the excess blood sugar would damage the blood vessels in the retina. Besides high blood sugar level, diabetic retinopathy could even develop if you have high blood pressure and/or high blood cholesterol level.
Smokers have a greater risk of developing retinopathy. The risk of retinopathy rises in diabetic women during pregnancy. It has been seen that diabetic retinopathy is more prevalent among certain races such as Hispanics and people of African origin.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
Usually diabetic retinopathy occurs in both eyes. People in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy hardly experience any symptom of the disease. As the disease progresses, you would see floating spots. Gradually the vision becomes blurred and the night vision becomes severely damaged. You would see dark or red streaks obstructing your vision. In the worst case, diabetic retinopathy leads to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy prevention
With laser treatment and surgery, diabetic retinopathy could be treated. However, your normal vision might not be recovered completely. It is therefore advisable to take steps to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Controlling your blood sugar level is the first step to prevent the disease.
Through diet, regular exercises and by taking the insulin medications in right doses, diabetics should keep the blood sugar level near normal.
Diabetics should learn how to manage stress. The hormones secreted in the body during stress prevent absorption of insulin, pushing up the blood sugar level despite insulin intake. Through meditation, relaxation and other stress management techniques, you should learn how to overcome stress.
You should also take steps to keep your blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels within the normal range. People with diabetes should visit an ophthalmologist at least once every year. If you notice any change in vision, you should immediately rush to the doctor.
