Diabetes Retinopathy (DR) is a serious medical complication that can lead to loss of vision. It affects the retina light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when blood sugar levels are high. However, it damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, and abnormal growth of new blood vessels. If not treated properly, Diabetic Retinopathy can cause blindness due to high blood sugar levels affecting the functioning of the retina.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Are you suffering from diabetes? You are unable to manage your high blood sugar levels in the body. Beware high blood sugar levels can affect your eye functioning. Try to control your blood sugar. However, you’re experiencing such symptoms affecting your eyes. Then, you may be suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
- Floating Dark Strings in Your Vision
- Fluctuating Vision
- Dark or Empty areas around your vision
- Loss of Vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should consult with an ophthalmologist to get eye treatment to prevent any further damage to the retina.
Causes Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss if untreated. It can cause blockage of tiny blood vessels. It causes cutting off blood supply. The two types of diabetic retinopathy.
- Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Early diabetic retinopathy can weaken the blood vessels around your retina. Tiny bulges emerge in the surrounding walls of the retina. It causes the leaking of blood and fluid in the retina. Larger blood vessels begin to dilate and can become irregular in diameter. With time, it causes blockage in the blood vessels around the retina.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy can progress and lead to Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy. In this type, there is abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile. It can break open and bleed into the eye and can cause sudden vision loss
Diagnosis Of Diabetic Retinopathy
To diagnose diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor will perform several tests along with a thorough health history and eye examination. Here’s an overview of the key procedures involved:
- Visual Acuity Test: This is a common test that measures your ability to see clearly at various distances. Using an eye chart, your doctor will assess your central vision. This helps identify any significant vision loss that may be related to diabetic retinopathy.
- Tonometry: Tonometry is a standard procedure used to measure the pressure inside your eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated pressure can indicate glaucoma or other eye conditions, which may be important for your overall eye health.
- Pupil Dilation: For a more detailed examination of your eye, your doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils. This process, called pupil dilation, allows for a closer look at the lens and retina. By examining these structures in detail, the doctor can better identify signs of diabetic retinopathy and other issues.
- Ophthalmoscopy: During an ophthalmoscopy exam, your doctor will use a special magnifying lens to closely examine the retina. This procedure helps them to spot any abnormalities, such as changes in blood vessels or signs of retinal damage. It is an essential part of diagnosing diabetic retinopathy.
- Fluorescein Angiography: This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye into your bloodstream. As the dye circulates, a special camera takes pictures of the blood vessels in your eyes. Fluorescein angiography allows your doctor to see whether the blood vessels are leaking or not providing sufficient blood flow to certain areas of the retina. This information is critical for assessing the severity of diabetic retinopathy.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina. OCT provides cross-sectional views, allowing the doctor to see the different layers of the retina and identify any swelling or structural changes. This test is particularly useful in detecting diabetic macular edema, a common complication of diabetic retinopathy.
How To Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition affecting people suffering from diabetes. You can take preventive steps to control the condition of diabetic retinopathy. You can take a look at the preventive steps to control blood sugar levels reducing the chances of diabetic retinopathy affecting your eyes.
Control Blood Sugar
The most important thing you can do is keep your blood sugar levels under control. Consult the doctor to get assistance in controlling your blood sugar levels in the body. Regularly check your blood sugar and make sure it stays within those targets.
Regular Eye Exams
Get your eyes checked every year. During these exams, an eye doctor can look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Catching problems early can help prevent serious vision loss. Don’t skip these appointments, even if your eyes feel fine.
Healthy Diet
Eat the right food to control your blood sugar levels in your body. So that, you can avoid the condition of diabetic retinopathy condition affecting your eyes. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks. A healthy diet can help keep your blood sugar stable. Make a schedule of balancing your meals regularly.
Stay Active
Regular exercise is important for everyone, especially if you have diabetes. Go for 30 minutes of physical exercise regularly to stay healthy. This can be anything you enjoy—walking, biking, swimming, or even dancing. Exercise helps control your weight and blood sugar levels.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen the condition of diabetic retinopathy. It’s important to have these checked regularly. If they are high, your doctor can help you find ways to lower them through diet, exercise, or medication.
Avoid Smoking
If you smoke, it’s a good idea to quit. Smoking can make diabetes complications worse, including eye problems. There are many resources available to help you stop smoking, such as support groups or medication.
Manage Stress
Stress can negatively affect your blood sugar levels. Find ways to relax and reduce stress in your life. Techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can be helpful. Even spending time with friends or doing hobbies you love can reduce stress.
Final Words
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes causing vision loss. Effective blood sugar management and eye screening can reduce the chances of diabetic retinopathy. Individuals with diabetes should remain cautious related to thier eye health. You work closely with their ophthalmologist to ensure the best outcomes protecting your eyes from any damage due to diabetes. Prevention is better than cure if you want to keep your retina in proper condition after being affected by diabetes. Consult with the ophthalmologist for the treatment and management of your retina. Consider taking up medical help to control the blood sugar levels in the body.
