Diabetic retinopathy is a type of diabetes complication that affects the eyes, caused by growth of abnormal blood vessels found in the retina (A light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye)
Here's a brief overview of the science behind it - In its early stages, the walls of the blood vessels in the retina weaken. Tiny bulges protrude from the vessel walls, sometimes leaking or oozing fluid and blood into the retina. The tissues in the retina may swell, producing white spots. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, new blood vessels may grow and threaten your vision.
Who can be affected?
This condition can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less you control your blood sugar, the more predisposed you are to this eye complication.
Signs and Symptoms
At first, diabetic retinopathy might cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. But as the condition progresses, you might develop:
- Blurred vision
- Fluctuating vision
- Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
Risk Factors
Anyone who has diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. However, the risk of developing this eye condition can increase due to:
- Having diabetes for a long time
- Poor blood sugar level control
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco use
Prevention
To prevent diabetic retinopathy, do this:
- Ensure proper diabetes management
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar level
- Do glycosylated hemoglobin test once in a while - For most people with diabetes, the A1C goal is to be under 7%.
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
- Quit tobacco smoking
- Pay attention to vision changes
Complications related to Diabtic Retinopathy include: Glaucoma, Blindness, Vitreous Hemorrhage, Retinal detachment.
Remember, Careful diabetes management can go a long way towards preventing diabetic related complications diabetic retinopathy being one of them.
Note: Diabetes doesn't always lead to vision loss.
Written by: Hannah Ndichu