Six Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy

By Mary Howard


This is a serious illness that can pose a threat to your sight. If not treated, this illness can damage the eyes. Many people lack enough knowledge about this disease. As a result, they are not able to control it. Outlined, is a guide that will help you to understand diabetic retinopathy:

This ailment occurs when retinal vessels are damaged. When a person has high levels of blood sugar, they are more likely to develop this ailment. Excess sugar builds up in the retinal vessels. The continuous accumulation of sugar triggers swelling, which ultimately destroys the retinal tissues that aid vision.

This condition is caused by hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled diabetes triggers the accumulation of sugar in blood vessels. This impedes the normal flow of blood to body organs including the eye. The gradual accumulation of sugar prompts the progressive damage of the retina. Sugar clogs blood vessels around the retina thus, destroying light-sensitive cells that are necessary for good vision. The clogged vessels leak fluids that cause the retina to swell hence, causing blurry vision or the permanent loss of sight.

The symptoms of this disorder depend on the extent of the disease. In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms. However, if the disease has progressed, you will notice symptoms such as blurry vision. Blurred vision is the lack of sharpness in vision. Eye pain is also a key symptom of this disorder. If the disease has progressed, you may feel discomfort around the eye. Other symptoms of the disease include double vision, fluctuating vision, eye floaters, and corneal abnormalities. If you detect these symptoms, you should visit an ophthalmologist. This will prevent the permanent damage of the retina.

In mild cases, this ailment does not require treatment. However, in serious cases, physicians recommend prompt treatment. This ailment can be treated through surgical operations. For instance, it can be cured through focal and scatter laser surgical operations. During surgery, physicians remove the swollen retinal vessels and scar tissues that form around the eye. This removal improves eye-sight and minimizes the progression of this ailment. Also, it can be treated through steroid injections. These injections minimize the leakage of fluids thus, improving eye-sight. Obtaining prompt treatment is important, particularly in the advanced stage. If you notice signs associated with this ailment, you should consider seeking immediate treatment. There are many physicians that can treat this ailment in Bethesda, MD. You should, therefore, ensure that you select a proficient physician.

This illness is normally common in people who have been diagnosed with illnesses such as hypertension. Other risk factors may include age and obesity. Older people are more vulnerable to developing this illness. If you are above the age of sixty, you should consider going for regular check-ups. These check-ups will assist you to detect this illness before it progresses. Also, if you are overweight, you should consider indulging in physical activities that will assist you to lose weight.

This condition can be prevented through the regulation of blood sugar. People that have normal blood sugar levels are less likely to contract this disease. Also, this disorder can be prevented through the regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure. You can regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol by embracing healthier dietary patterns and by exercising regularly.

It is important for you to learn ways to prevent the damage of the retina. This illness can pose a serious threat to your eye sight. The facts listed in this article are important as they will help you to understand more about this illness. This article will assist you to learn more about this illness.




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