DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

 
It refers to retinal changes in diabetes patients; Initial control of the disease can delay the development of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy refers to retinal changes seen in patients with diabetes mellitus.
With increased in life expectancy of diabetics, the incidence of diabetic
Retinopathy has increased.
In India about 31.7 million people have diabetes.
At present, India has the maximum number of people suffering from diabetes in the world.
Already, the disease shows high prevalence rate, especially in the relatively more affluent sections of our society
The risk of blindness is about 25 times greater in diabetics than in non diabetics.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Duration of diabetes is the most important factor.
About half of diabetics develop diabetic retinopathy after 10 years.
After 20 years, almost all diabetics may develop diabetic retinopathy.
Duration of diabetes is important for development of diabetic retinopathy, not the severity
Incidence is more in females as compared to males
Severity of diabetic retinopathy is not related to levels of blood sugar
It is transmitted as a recessive trait without sex linkage

PREVENTION
An eye specialist can diagnose diabetic retinopathy with the help of fundus examination of eye
For every diabetic whether he or she has no diabetic retinopathy.
Yearly follow-up of vision and fundus is must
Control your blood sugar.
There is increasing evidence to suggest that good initial control of diabetes delays the development of diabetic retinopathy
Control of hypertension is essential in all diabetic patients to prevent detrimental effects to retinal circulation
Anaemia should also be treated as its presence may worsen diabetic retinopathy.
So take diet rich in iron like green leafy vegetables and other iron supplements
Avoid fatty diet
Aspirin and dipyridamole decrease platelet stickiness and may have beneficial effects but use after consulting a doctor
Exercise at least thrice a week.
Do brisk walking
Avoid smoking and alcohol as they are harmful for a diabetic person