All About Identifying and Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy
September 18, 2009
Diabetes has affected many people in the modern age. The main cause of diabetes is the lifestyle changes of the present generation. Diabetes leads to various complications in ones life causing complications like diabetic foot, high blood pressure and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a very progressive disease causing damage of the blood cells in the retina in ones eye and ultimately leading to blindness. The prevention of diabetic retinopathy lies in periodic eye check-ups. This can not only help prevent diabetic retinopathy but can also help to identify this disease at the very start and give prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
Diabetic retinopathy is very difficult to identify in its early stages. One may notice significant changes only after the disease progresses or with age. The fluctuation in ones sugar level is one of the main culprit causing diabetic retinopathy. The best prescription for fluctuation in sugar levels lies in regulation of ones diet and making suitable lifestyle. Inclusion of fiber in ones diet, eating small meals at regular intervals and an effective exercise routine can help top avoid fluctuations in the sugar levels.
Diabetics should be careful and go for routine eye examination to identify signs of diabetic retinopathy in the preliminary stages. Undiagnosed diabetic retinopathy can lead to blood vessels that nourish the retina being blocked leading to permanent blindness. It is advisable to go for routine dilated eye tests every six months.
Usually the preliminary signs that can be identified over a period of time are small balloons like swelling in the blood vessels of the retina. The person affected by diabetic retinopathy may identify floating objects or specks of blood in one’s sight. These specks as well as blurred vision may be found to be more predominately at nights than during the daytimes. These blurs may or may not be cleared on their own. Early detection can help one to take follow-up treatment and preventive steps.
A visual acuity test done during an eye examination can easily identify the clarity of ones distant vision. It would also help to identify the extent of optic nerve damage in the retina. A tonometry exam is done to measure the eye pressure to give good follow-up treatment.
If routine tests are not done diabetic retinopathy may reach the most advanced stage when new abnormal fragile blood vessels break up and leak blood into the gel inside the eye assisting vision leading to permanent and complete blindness.
To conclude, diabetics should beware of being affected by diabetic retinopathy and take steps to identify it and also take steps to prevent it totally or from progressing to complete blindness.
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