Diabetic retinopathy is an eye illness seen in diabetes sufferers. It is a complication that results from long-term high sugar levels and ends up damaging blood vessels in the retina and leading to blindness. It can cause permanent loss of vision or complete blindness if it is not attended and treated properly. An individual should therefore get a consultation from Best Eye Care Hospital in Malappuram on the first hand to diagnose the illness and take immediate remedies.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can cause blindness, found in the retina, the nerve layer at the rear of the eye that reacts to light. Diabetic retinopathy has two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) or Early Stage
• Here, the very small blood vessels of the retina become weakened and bulging or leaky causing swelling and vision loss.
• Fatty deposits or minute haemorrhages can occur, impairing the quality of vision.
• As the symptoms will not be visible in the beginning, periodic eye check-ups with the Best Cataract Specialist in Malappuram are required to know the disease at the initial stage.
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) or Advanced Stage
• As the disease progresses, new pathological vessels start developing in the retina, and this leads to widespread bleeding in the eye.
• It could lead to blindness, glaucoma, or retinal detachment.
What Does Diabetic Retinopathy Feel Like?
• Distortion of the retina causes blur in the eyes.
• Influx of eye blood leading to stringy shadows in eyes called floaters.
• Straight lines seem crooked and twisted to you.
• You lose sight since damage will never be treated unless done promptly. Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is essential to provide the right treatment. Ophthalmologists at Best Eye Care Hospital in Perinthalmanna adopt the latest diagnosis tests, which are as follows:
•Dilated Eye Exam: Drops are instilled in the eyes to dilate pupils so that doctors can examine the retina thoroughly.
•Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides accurate images of the retina to detect swelling or leakage of fluid.
• Fluorescein Angiography: Special light shows leaking retinal blood vessels after dye is injected into the blood.
How Diabetic Retinopathy Harms the Retina and Vision.
The retina changes light into electrical signals and sends them to the brain. If retinal blood vessels are harmed:
• Oxygen and nutrients are not supplied to the cells, damaging them.
• Bleeding and swelling blur vision and fine details are difficult to spot.
• Blind spots or loss of vision can occur due to scarring and abnormal growth of blood vessels. Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can be prevented with the following methods:
1. Control Blood Sugar Level: Diabetes control will avert damage to the retina.
2. Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Elevated BP and cholesterol worsen eye complications.
3. Regular Eye Checkup: A visit to the Best Eye Care Hospital in Malappuram for a yearly checkup identifies complications at an early stage.
4.Stop Smoking: Smoking worsens diabetic complications, including eye complications.
5.Healthy Life: Regular exercise and a healthy diet help to control diabetes better.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy is a preventable but risky condition that affects the retina and vision. Early diagnosis and timely treatment at the Best Retina Specialist in Perinthalmanna can preserve your vision. If you are diabetic, then don’t wait for symptoms to develop, get your eye check-up now!