Diabetes and the Eye
A sweet disease of
bitter company
Facts that every Diabetic should know
1.
Diabetics are a higher risk of
developing eye problems – some of which can lead to irreversible blindness
2.
The longer the duration of
Diabetes and worse the control – more are the chances of developing eye
problems
3.
Eye Problems can go totally
un-noticed unless Vision is tested under standard conditions and retina seen by
qualified eye specialist
4.
Diabetics are at a higher risk
of developing
o
Cataract (Safed Motia)
o
Glaucoma (Kala Motia)
o
Diabetic Retinopathy (Spots on the Retina)
5.
Cataract is curable with
Surgery and IOL Implant but Glaucoma leads to progressive blindness-which is
irreversible. Early Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated with Laser to prevent
irreversible blindness later on.
6.
Diabetics should have complete
eye check up by an Eye Specialist as per guidelines of American Academy
of Ophthalmologists recommendations:
o
All Diabetics at the time of
first diagnoses & of more than 5 years duration of disease – at-least once
a year if no retinopathy
o
All Diabetics with diagnosed
retinopathy, on stable or unstable control – once every 6 months.
7.
Laser and other Treatments
prevent the rapid progress of disease and in some cases can reverse early
changes. There is no quick fix or miracle cure for diabetic retinopathy yet.