Diabetic retinopathy is a common form of eye complication related to diabetes and if not treated, the condition causes vision impairment. This condition arises when high blood sugar affects the blood vessels in the retina hence vision. However, diabetic retinopathy is a non-reversible condition; however, if treated early and the blood sugar level is well regulated, then the condition will not progress. While it mostly relates to the retina, it is also important in eye health as it offers solutions for other vision problems such as those corrected by Smile Clear Lasik.
Diabetic retinopathy should be managed as early as possible to avoid loss of sight. Laser treatments, injections or even surgery might assist in halting or slowing the progression of the disease but the damage done cannot be reversed. This is why people with diabetes should have a routine eye check-up done on them by an ophthalmologist.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may show no noticeable symptoms, but as the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Blot or floaters in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Total blindness in extreme conditions
If these symptoms are identified at the early stages, then the condition can be controlled well and other complications prevented.
How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?
The only way to prevent DR is to stick to your diabetes treatment and have your eyes examined regularly. Here are a few tips:
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: This means that if you are able to manage your blood sugar level then you are able to prevent further harm in the blood vessels of the eyes.
- Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure: This is because high BP can actually worsen the effects of DR and hence it has to be managed well.
- Get Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key. However, using proper eye check up, one can be diagnosed of developing the condition of diabetic retinopathy before it gets worse.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking also affects diabetic retinopathy and therefore quitting smoking is important for the eyes.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
Sadly this is not possible and the situation cannot be changed, however, the condition can be managed. These include:
Laser Treatment: Laser surgery can seal or shrink leaking blood vessels in the retina and therefore prevent vision loss.
Medications: The use of anti-VEGF injections into the eye may also reduce inflammation and prevent progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Vitrectomy: In severe cases, the patient may need a surgical operation to have the scar tissue and blood washed from the eye.
These treatments are useful in preventing blindness and also preventing the eye from getting worse.
Importance of Regular Checkups
The key element in the management of diabetic retinopathy is often the ophthalmologist’s examination of the patient’s eyes. Diabetic patients should get an annual eye exam if possible. If one notices the condition early enough it is easy to control it. Smile Clear Lasik is not a treatment for diabetic retinopathy but has other eye care services that can be useful to your eye care regimen.
Therefore, it can be stated that diabetic retinopathy is irreversible, but timely diagnosis and adequate treatment will prevent the deterioration of vision. Any changes in vision should be reported to a specialist immediately so that the appropriate action is taken.
To know more about eye care, you can visit The Eye Foundation, or if you have any questions or problems, feel free to Book your appointment now.
