Diabetes and its Effects on Eyesight
How is diabetes referred by a common man? Any thought? Sugar? Glucose? Diabetes in not only this. Its actually a disease affecting all parts of our body at the same time. The most important organ that is the victim of the disease are eyes. Though the disease does have some side effects but that can be prevented or delayed with some necessary actions.
There are certain changes that occur with diabetes mellitus in the retina which is termed as diabetic retinopathy like the blood vessels at the back of the eyes get damaged due to diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy may have its long time effects. In diabetic retinopathy, first you see normally, and then there will be blurred, distorted or patchy vision that cannot be corrected with spectacles. Thirdly, you can have problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognizing people. Fourthly, you could become over-sensitive to limelight. After that, you could face difficulty in seeing in the night.
It's not possible to predict the retinal disease at the time of diagnosis. People with type 1 diabetes will get retinal disease almost by 35 years they have been diagnosed. Swelling in the central area of vision can be easily seen in one-third of the sufferers. This is termed as macular oedema.
Disease of the retina is found more often in patients who have had diabetes for at least 30 years, who are taking insulin, or whose diabetes is not controlled very well. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in persons aged between 25-74 years in the US, responsible for more than 8000 cases of new blindness each year. This means that diabetes is responsible for 12% of blindness; the rate is even higher among certain ethnicities. UAE is placed at second number in the list of countries with patients suffering from diabetes. Almost 20% of the general population of UAE has diabetes. Most of these patients fall under type 2 diabetes which is second to Nauru. 20% of people referred to endocrinologists and diabetologists and 40% suffered with sight-threatening problems in Mexico. UAE also had the same numbers in comparison.
Many people around the world are unaware that they suffer from diabetes. Screening programs need to be implemented to assist in diabetes and diabetes related illness detection.
Mobile clinics would be a great asset in the fight against diabetes. Also a system should be set up for patients to be able to obtain the proper follow up care with the proper medical facilities, to make sure that they are getting proper nutrition, exercise and are monitoring their blood glucose levels properly.
The best way to prevent these complications is good control on diabetes. Your vision loss can be easily cured by laser treatment if it's diagnosed earlier or before its impact on your eyes. In case of already damaged vision, treatment can save you from getting it worst. Getting your eye checked by a doctor at regular intervals say about every year if your taking insulin and 2 years if you are not. Don't hesitate in contacting a doctor if at anytime you feel a symptom like blurred visionAfter all its your health which matters the most.