It is highly impossible to say NO to sweets, but when it comes to people with diabetes they have no other go. There are times when we eat sweets when there is nobody around. Being diabetic is not an issue till the blood sugar levels are controlled. But by being a diabetic have you ever had any difficulty with your vision? Puzzled! Wondering what is the link between vision and diabetics?
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy affects the light sensitive tissue called retina. The blood vessels in the retina is mostly affected in this condition, leading to fluid leak and distorted vision. It causes loss of vision amongst the people with diabetes. Also, it can lead to blindness and vision impairment amongst the working adults. If you have any of these issues, visit eye hospital in Hyderabad for better treatment.
Stages In Diabetic Retinopathy
There are three stages in Diabetic Retinopathy
- Mild nonproliferative retinopathy: This is the initial stage where small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina’s tiny blood vessels, called microaneurysms, occur at These microaneurysms may leak fluid into the retina.
- Severe nonproliferative retinopathy: In this stage more blood vessels are blocked, that decreases blood supply to retina. Thus the retina starts growing new blood vessels as per the signals received.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: This is the advanced stage, The new blood vessels are more likely to leak and bleed as they are very fragile. Accompanied by scar tissue that contracts and cause retinal detachment which leads to pulling away of the retina from underlying tissue. This can lead to permanent vision loss.
Who Should worry?
People with all types of diabetes are at risk for this condition. The risk rate according to how long a person has diabetes.
What Are The Symptoms?
Initially the person with diabetic retinopathy does not show any symptoms as the conditions worsen they start exhibiting. Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurred vision
- Impairment of color vision
- Transparent and colorless spots and dark strings that floats in the field of vision
- Patches or streaks that block the vision
- Poor night vision
- Total vision loss
The condition affects both eyes. It is important to minimise the risk of vision loss by taking up continuous evaluation by the doctor.
What Are The Causes?
Anybody with diabetes is at risk. However, the risk is greater if the person:
- Does not control blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnant women
- Chainsmokers
- People who had diabetes for a long time
Diagnosis
It is very important for a diabetes patient to have eye check up regularly. Some of the diagnosis includes:
- Dilated eye exam
- Fluorescein angiography
- Optical coherence tomography
- Tonometry
- Visual acuity testing
Treatment options
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy depends on several factors. It is much important to work with the doctor to control diabetes. Controlled blood sugar levels significantly slow the development of Diabetic Retinopathy. The following options are the treatment options available:
- Focal laser treatment, or photocoagulation: it is the laser treatment to stop the leakage from the retinal blood vessels
- Scatter laser treatment, or pan-retinal photocoagulation: the laser burns the area near retina other than macula which is the center of retina. This takes two or three sessions.
- Vitrectomy: It is the removal of vitreous from the eyeball and replacement by vitreous substitutes. The procedure is performed under anesthetic.
Surgery is just an option for diabetic retinopathy, it does not cure everything. Controlling the diabetes can help the people.
Prevention
Managing blood sugar levels will help to prevent the onset of a severe form of Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes can be controlled by:
- Eating healthy and balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining body weight
- Quitting smoking
- Controlled intake of alcohol
- Prescribed antihypertensive medication
- Attending regular eye check up
Early detection of symptoms increases the effectiveness of the treatment. In order to do so you should visit the best doctors. If you have diabetes and you find a problem with your vision no need to worry as you have the best doctors at Sri Sri to help you out.
[Also read: Tips for Healthy Eyes]
ABOUT THE HOSPITAL:
Sri Sri Holistic Hospital is a leading 100 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital in Nizampet, Kukatpally, Hyderabad one of the Best Heart Hospitals in Hyderabad. Sri Sri Holistic Hospital provides high standards of healthcare with a combination of Advanced Technology and state of art clinical expertise. With more than 52 Internationally Experienced Doctors and 400+ staff, we served at least 50,000 patients so far.
