Diabetes has become a serious problem in the country, and it is spreading rapidly, especially in urban areas. From the young to the elderly, everyone lives in fear that they too may contract this disease. According to ICMR, the number of diabetes patients in India has crossed 10 crores. This is a disease that also affects the kidneys, heart, liver and brain. The disease can also cause eye blindness, and patients are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, which can take away vision.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic retinopathy is a disease caused by diabetes. High blood sugar affects the entire body, and can also cause damage to the nerves of the eyes. Due to diabetes, the blood supply in the body gets affected, due to which the nerves of the retina of the eyes can also become weak. If this condition persists for a long time, the retina may completely deteriorate, leading to blindness. Although, its symptoms are mild at first, but with time the eyesight starts decreasing.
Which people may be most affected?
Diabetic retinopathy can happen in anyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If the level of diabetes remains high for a long time and the sugar level is not controlled, then the risk of developing this disease in the eyes increases. The risk of this disease is especially high after the age of 50.
Why does diabetic retinopathy occur?
If sugar levels in your blood remain high for a long time, it affects the nerves of the eyes, causing blockage of the small nerves that nourish the eyes. In this condition the retina of the eyes is affected, and the eyes try to form new nerves. However, these new nerves do not develop properly and may worsen the condition of the retina. If it is not treated on time, it can cause blindness.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
floating spots or black strings in the eyes (floaters)
blurred vision
slight darkness before the eyes
Increasing problem of blurred vision
Ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy
keep sugar level under control
If you have diabetes, get your eyes checked regularly
Contact a doctor immediately if your eyes become blurry
do eye exercises
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