Tips To Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a condition that affects the health of all living creatures adversely. Medical experts recommend keeping it in control by following a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many individuals fail to take heed and continue living life with gay abandon. All major organs are affected by diabetes over time. The eyes are no exception, either. It is advisable to keep your diabetes under check to prevent developing Diabetic Retinopathy with the advancement of age and exceptionally high levels of blood glucose.
Facts Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy
This is a health condition that affects the vision adversely. It stems from diabetes-related complications. The condition affects the retinal blood vessels responsible for viewing colors. Surprisingly, you will not feel any difficulty initially. However, the condition may progress to affect your vision slowly but steadily. The outcome is complete blindness if no measures are taken. This condition is fairly common in people with both Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2. Long-standing diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
What are the symptoms?
The condition may not give rise to any symptoms initially. However, you may develop any of the following eventually:-
- String-like images or spots are seen with the eyes tightly closed. These are known as floaters and are the first indication of eye ailments.
- Blurriness of vision
- Fluctuating vision
- Vacant visual areas
Time to Visit An Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor)
While medication and diabetes management are essential to keep the condition under control, it is advisable to get your eyes checked regularly too. Visit the eye doctor every 6 months or earlier as advised by the medical professional.
It is important to have your eyes examined throughout pregnancy when you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This is also advised for diabetic patients planning pregnancy
An emergency visit to the ophthalmologist becomes important when you experience sudden changes in your vision such as viewing floaters, spots, or blurriness
Prevention
This condition is known to give rise to many complications over time. It is therefore extremely important to take preventive measures right from the day you are diagnosed with diabetes. The right way to prevent Retinopathy or growth of abnormal blood vessels in your retina includes the following:-
Effective Diabetes Management
- Frequent Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels
- Undergoing the Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test
- Keeping Both Blood pressure and cholesterol Levels In Check
- Quitting Smoking and consumption of tobacco products
- Following a healthy life style
- Maintaining Optimal weight
- Regular Eye Examination
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy is not universal. Instead, it will depend on the type of diabetes and the condition of your eyes. The eye doctor will make sure to mentor your vision regularly and note the changes before proceeding with the treatment. It is vital to remember that diabetes is the main cause of poor vision. The first thing that you must do is to keep it well under control. You may also work with a diabetes specialist to ensure proper management of the condition.
